"No, I didn't watch it. I don't watch things like that", Swiatek responded during a press conference at the United Cup on 4/1, when asked about the recent match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios.

Kyrgios defeated Sabalenka in two sets, 6-3, 6-3, in an exhibition match in Dubai late last month. The event was reminiscent of a similar match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs 52 years ago. Although intended as entertainment, the contest between Kyrgios and Sabalenka was not particularly engaging. Sabalenka played on a smaller court but did not pose much challenge to Kyrgios, while the Australian player showed clear signs of declining fitness, having barely competed in the 2025 season.

"I don't think that match had anything to do with social change or any important topic", Swiatek added. "Women's tennis has its own standing, great stories to tell, and does not necessarily need to be compared with men's tennis. There is no need for competition between men and women".

Swiatek during a stroll in Sydney, Australia on 4/1. Photo: UC.

Even tennis legend Billie Jean King believes there was no need to organize a match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios. According to her, her victory against Riggs in 1973 carried a different meaning. Riggs was known for his misogynistic views, and that match helped change the status of women's tennis at a time when the socio-cultural landscape was vastly different from today.

"The only similarity between the two matches is a man playing against a woman", King said. "Of course, I had hoped Sabalenka would win. But regardless, the nature of the match is not what it was half a century ago".

Swiatek hopes organizers will create more mixed-gender team tournaments like the United Cup, the annual curtain-raiser for the Australia Open. She stated: "This is where fans can feel excited and proud watching matches where singles players have the opportunity to play mixed doubles together. That would generate much more appeal than an exhibition match".

The United Cup is currently taking place in two cities, Perth and Sydney, and is considered an important warm-up event for the Grand Slam Australia Open, starting from 18/1. 18 teams are divided into 6 groups, with the 6 group winners and the two best second-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage. This year's tournament features many big names, including Iga Swiatek (Poland), Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz (United States), Alexander Zverev (Germany), and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece).

Vy Anh