Rasheed Slams Sabalenka-Kyrgios ‘Battle of the Sexes’: “Quite Insulting for Women’s Tennis”
The tennis world is buzzing ahead of the highly anticipated Battle of the Sexes on December 28 in Dubai, and not all opinions are positive. Legendary coach Roger Rasheed, who guided Lleyton Hewitt to his 2005 Australian Open triumph, didn’t hold back in criticizing the upcoming match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios.
According to Rasheed, the event puts the Belarusian star and women’s tennis as a whole into a precarious situation.
“A Lose-Lose for Women’s Tennis”
Speaking to ABC Sport, Rasheed delivered a blunt assessment:
“I’m not a fan of it, to be honest. I think it’s a lose-lose for the women’s side. To be perfectly honest, it’s quite insulting. I don’t see any real advantage for the number one player in the world here. From a commercial or professional standpoint, is this the environment Sabalenka should be stepping into?”
Rasheed’s remarks underline a key concern among critics: that the match could inadvertently fuel stereotypes about the gap between men’s and women’s tennis. With Kyrgios’ powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, some argue the event risks overshadowing women’s tennis rather than celebrating it.
Sabalenka’s Response: “We’re Here to Have Fun”
Despite the backlash, Aryna Sabalenka has taken a calm, pragmatic approach. When asked about the criticisms, the world No. 1 emphasized that the spotlight doesn’t just fall on her.
“I am not putting myself at any risk. We’re here to have fun and deliver great tennis. Whoever wins, wins,” Sabalenka said. “It’s obvious that men are biologically stronger than women, but this match isn’t about that. This is an opportunity to bring more attention to women’s tennis and raise its profile globally.”
Sabalenka, who is fresh off her US Open title, is confident that the exhibition match will showcase tennis in a unique and entertaining light, while potentially attracting new fans to the WTA Tour.
Fans React: Excitement vs. Concern
The tennis community is split. Many fans are excited to see the high-profile duel and anticipate Kyrgios’ flamboyant style clashing with Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play. Social media is alight with predictions, ranging from thrilling rallies to potential blowouts.
Yet, others echo Rasheed’s concerns, arguing that such events walk a fine line between entertainment and inadvertently undermining the credibility of women’s tennis.
Final Analysis: A Risk with Potential Rewards
Exhibition matches like the Battle of the Sexes have a long history of sparking debate. While Rasheed’s criticism highlights the potential pitfalls, Sabalenka’s perspective underscores the promotional and entertainment value these events can bring.
For tennis purists, it’s a question of balance: maintaining respect for women’s tennis while embracing moments that push the sport into new, engaging territories. Whether the Dubai showdown becomes a celebrated spectacle or a controversial talking point, one thing is clear—the eyes of the tennis world will be glued to the court on December 28.
Key Takeaways:
- Roger Rasheed calls the match “insulting” and a “lose-lose” for women’s tennis.
- Sabalenka remains confident, framing the match as fun and promotional.
- Fans and analysts are divided: excitement for entertainment vs. concerns over potential impact on women’s tennis.
- The Dubai showdown will spark conversation about gender dynamics in tennis and the future of exhibition events.
