By Ambar Madhok, Third Year, English Literature
Historically, the most memorable ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match was playing between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973. Recently, on Sunday 28th December, the Fourth ever ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match took place between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrigos in Dubai. Are these comparable events and has this event progressed the sport in any way?
Within her autobiography, All In, King discussed how women at the time were ‘earning only 56.6 percent of what men earned for the same job’ and that she ‘was playing this match to change hearts and minds’. This match was a major stepping stone for the women’s right movement and could have had a fatal impact had King not won, especially due to Rigg’s chauvinistic stance on women’s sports.
Despite the intensity and legacy that comes with the title ‘The Battle of the Sexes’, the match between Sabalenka and Kyrigos was arguably underwhelming and nothing more than a redemption arc for Kyrigos. Sabalenka is currently number 1, why should she have to further prove herself to a player currently ranked 671 (although he has beaten top male players such as Nadal), when she is already a top athlete?
In King’s match, no alterations to the gameplay were made. However, the organisers, EVOLVE, reduced Sabalenka’s court size by 9 percent, to accommodate for women having 9 percent slower pace than men on average. Additionally, a one serve rule was created for both players, with the intention to focus on accuracy over speed. Finally, players were allowed an extra minute break per set if necessary.
Adjustments in place, the match opened with a flashy entrance to ‘The Eye of the Tiger’ from Sabalenka. Off to an even start, Sabalenka asserted dominance winning the first game. There were even breaks throughout the early games. Midway through the first set, Sabalenka made two fatal faults in a row, allowing Kyrigos to break to 3-4.
From here on, Kyrigos was able to secure the right points when necessary. His unpredictable playing style did not allow Sabalenka to settle into a rhythm as she was constantly coming to the net. At 4-3, Kyrigos served a cheeky underarm serve winning yet another game. He then powered through, taking the first set with 6-3.
The opening of the 2nd set saw Sabalenka gain momentum, breaking Kyrigos’ serve early on to 3-1 with a slice winner, following a tense advantage game. However, Kyrigos managed to turn things around, and despite a gimmicky macarena interlude form Sabalenka at 3-2, Kyrigos managed to break even to 3-3. From here on Kyrigos kept a lead, dominating the court, in commentator Annabel Croft’s terms: ‘junk tennis’.
The final game was filled with intensity as it went into an advantage game with Sabalenka saving 3 match points. The first save lead Kyrigos to call a break to regain composure, however, this didn’t affect Sabalenka’s focus just yet. Ultimately, Kyrigos’s strong serve closed the match, allowing him to defeat Sabalenka in straight sets, with score being 6-3 6-3.
The players were respectful following the match, with Sabalenka claiming she ‘really enjoyed the show’ and would be open to playing Kyrigos again having become more aware of his tactics. Kyrigos admitted it was 'a really tough match' and that Sabalenka was and would not call himself a ‘champion’. He viewed the match as 'a great stepping point for the world of tennis'.
But was it really?
The adjusted rules, although for a supposedly more level playing field seemed to do more harm than not. Both players had to adjust their mental framework to the game, and thus was the skillset aptly shown. It was clear Sabalenka’s game was severely impacted with the lack of her first serve, especially against Kyrigos who is known for having an extremely reliable serve.
Moreover, the entertainment appeared forced, and the crowd were extremely flat. There was constant disruption throughout with multiple broadcasting issues, as well as announcements when famous ex-footballers entered the stadium. ‘The Battle of the Sexes’ match is something you would a expect to make a statement.
The only statement was further proof to the physical biological advantage men already have. Why are we still in a position where we are constantly comparing male athletes to female athletes? Within tennis, the women’s games are just as entertaining as men’s and should be seen in their own light, and mixed doubles is a space where both men and women’s abilities are showcased in an even playing sphere, and often extremely enjoyable to witness.
Why are we still in a position where we are constantly comparing male athletes to female athletes?
The title ‘The Battle of the Sexes’ is not something to be used lightly, and this match could have purely been described as an exhibition match between two amicable players. In the future, matches between female and male players could be advertised as something such ‘Sabalenka versus Kyrigos’, which allows the players to be seen in their own spheres, away from associations that allow for criticism between gender differences. This match certainly grabbed people’s attention; however, it didn’t drastically change ‘hearts’ or ‘minds’ towards tennis and is incomparable to the extraordinary purpose King’s match served.
Featured Image: Instagram @tliveglobal
