🔗 Share this article

The year 2025 was defined by Aryna Sabalenka for a multitude of factors. She reached three of the four grand slam finals, securing her fourth major title at the New York major and cementing her reputation as a once-in-a-generation player. Transforming from her earlier reputation as a inconsistent ball-striker, the 27-year-old has developed into a increasingly versatile competitor. Undoubtedly, Sabalenka remains the top-ranked athlete for a second year running.

The brief tennis off-season typically provides an opportunity for players and fans alike to appreciate such remarkable accomplishments. This time around, the December discussions have been hijacked by a fast-approaching exhibition that Sabalenka is central to.

An Inane Event Takes Shape

This weekend, Sabalenka, the female world No. 1, is scheduled to play the Australian maverick in a showcase match in Dubai billed as a new Battle of the Sexes. After weeks of hype from the participants, it threatens to be one of the most pointless tennis events ever conceived.

Kyrgios's motivation is easy to understand. Struggling with a long-term physical decline over the last several seasons, he has contested only a few competitive tournaments. At this stage of his career, a sustained return to the top-level tour seems unlikely. His appearance is clearly a lucrative endeavor to capitalize on his remaining fame.

Sabalenka's decision to participate, however, is far more puzzling. Fresh from a historic season, her choice lends undue credibility to this enterprise. She and her team have framed the match as light entertainment that will benefit the sport, drawing in casual viewers who might not engage with regular competition.

"This event will bring women's tennis to a higher level," Sabalenka has claimed, even referencing the historic 1973 victory of Billie Jean King over Bobby Riggs.

A Damaging Narrative

Irrespective of the result, this exhibition represents a significant misstep for Sabalenka and for women's tennis. It offers no meaningful lesson. The athletic gap between the genders at the elite level is well-documented, and no viewer will be convinced otherwise. The WTA Tour is itself a compelling sport boasting some of the greatest athletes in the world. It does crave more attention, but that focus should be on its real matches and charismatic stars.

The worst scenario the sport needs is to reignite tired debates about equal prize money or the length of women's matches—discussions this event is certain to spark. The top ranking in women's tennis carries immense importance. Sadly, Sabalenka has used her platform to open the door for those who seek to undermine her own sport.

A Grim Buildup

The promotional run-up has been more problematic than expected. In a December appearance, Sabalenka ventured into the topic of trans women in tennis, making controversial statements that opposed their inclusion. This diverted attention from the exhibition itself.

Critically, there are zero trans women playing on the women's professional circuit. A far more relevant issue is the everyday sexism female players endure. Paradoxically, Sabalenka made these remarks while sitting alongside Kyrgios, a figure who has pleaded guilty to assaulting a former partner, has been accused of misogynistic comments toward fellow players, and has associated with notorious misogynists.

The Drive for Profit

Undeniably, the event has generated buzz. It will be broadcast by a prominent broadcaster and has earned Sabalenka a appearance on a late-night television program. The large arena will probably be mostly full.

However, attention is not inherently positive. This exhibition is a calculated exercise to manufacture controversy for financial gain. It is a product of its time, akin to celebrity boxing matches where notoriety outweighs athletic prowess. No serious analyst believes such events are beneficial for their respective sports. The two players are represented by the identical firm, which will benefit financially from the arrangement.

A Better Alternative

The past year was a standout for women's tennis in recent memory, driven by the duels between Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek and supported by a talented group of stars like the American prodigy, the Wimbledon winner, and others. They delivered thrilling matches and genuine competition.

In the end, the best way to understand the excellence of women's tennis is to view women's tennis. Instead of staged spectacles that undermine the very sport they claim to promote.