British tennis star Emma Raducanu has broken her silence on the highly-debated exhibition match between world number one Aryna Sabalenka and the maverick Nick Kyrgios, an event being billed as a modern 'Battle of the Sexes'.
Raducanu's Intrigue and Technical Analysis
Speaking during her off-season preparations, the 23-year-old Raducanu admitted she is an interested observer of the showdown, which takes place in Dubai today and will be broadcast on the BBC. The former US Open champion revealed she plans to catch highlights of the match, curious to see if both competitors go "flat out".
Raducanu, currently the British No.1 and ranked 29th globally, possesses unique insight into facing male power, having partnered with Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles at the US Open. She elaborated on the tangible differences between the men's and women's games, noting the sheer heaviness of the ball from top male players.
"It looks like he's not trying, but on your strings, it's so heavy," Raducanu said of hitting with Alcaraz. She contrasted this with the typically flatter striking on the women's tour, though she made exceptions for players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, whose shots she also described as heavy.
"The heaviness of the impact is different, and also just their strength in certain positions," she explained. "You think you've hit a good shot, and they're just able to get behind the ball like an extra step and generate and kind of one-up you and use your pace."
Controversy and Unconventional Rules
The exhibition has not been without its critics. Tennis legend Billie Jean King, who famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the seminal 1973 'Battle of the Sexes' match, has already told the BBC that this new iteration is "not the same".
This marks the fourth official duel to carry the 'Battle of the Sexes' moniker, but it will be played under a unique set of rules designed to level the playing field:
- The court dimensions will be nine per cent smaller on Sabalenka's side of the net.
- Both players will be allowed only one serve per point.
- The match is best-of-three sets, with a first-to-10-point tiebreak replacing a full third set.
No Singles Ambitions Against Male Players
Despite her curiosity and mixed doubles experience, Raducanu was unequivocal about having no desire to face a male player in a competitive singles match. "No. I don't think anyone would sign up for that! Honestly," she stated with a laugh.
However, she acknowledged the spectacle's appeal for fans, calling it "cool for the public" and noting the novelty of the event. For Raducanu, while the physical challenge is formidable, the exhibition serves as a fascinating point of discussion and a unique showcase for the sport she loves.
