Former British tennis number one Greg Rusedski has sharply criticised the upcoming 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, labelling the event a "gimmick" that lacks the historic significance of its famous predecessor.
A Modern 'Gimmick' Versus Historic Legacy
The highly anticipated exhibition is scheduled for 28 December in Dubai and will be broadcast in the UK by the BBC. It draws inevitable comparisons to the iconic 1973 match where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs, a landmark moment for women's tennis and the WTA.
However, Rusedski articulated his scepticism to the Press Association, stating: "I think it’s a gimmick. Billie Jean was fighting for something so important and she was really the catalyst for everything that’s happened in the women’s game to date." He pointed to the progress achieved, such as equal prize money at Grand Slams, which he supports.
Modified Rules and Questionable Stakes
The match will feature unique rule modifications to account for perceived differences between male and female players. Sabalenka's side of the court will be nine per cent smaller, and both competitors will be limited to just one serve per point.
World number one Sabalenka has herself downplayed the event's significance, describing it as pure entertainment. She has asserted that a loss to Kyrgios—who has been sidelined by injury for three years—would not damage the women's game.
Rusedski questioned the format, saying: "It’s not two serves, it’s not the real tennis. I just don’t know what it stands for." He suggested success would be measured by whether it attracts new fans to the sport.
Podcast Launch and Season Preview
Rusedski will expand on these views in the second episode of his new podcast, 'Off Court with Greg', launched this week with coach Ashley Neave and journalist Kevin Palmer. He promised unfiltered opinions, stating he won't dodge questions with politically correct answers.
Future episodes will preview the upcoming tennis season, focusing on the dominant duo of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Rusedski identified three players who could challenge them, including Britain's Jack Draper, American Ben Shelton, and Australia's Alex De Minaur.
"Jack Draper was in the mix for six months. Can he get healthy? If he does, the tennis he was playing at the beginning of the year was sensational," Rusedski remarked, highlighting the potential for a more competitive men's tour.
