Sabalenka vs Kyrgios: King notes differences from her own ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Billie Jean King is a tennis legend who was given the opportunity to participate in the “Battle of the Sexes” competition in 1973. Her opponent was Bobby Riggs, who was 55 years old when he played Margaret Court and later her. Although Riggs was absolutely dominant against Court, winning 6-2, 6-1, he lost to the 29-year-old King a few months later in a match that many consider one of the most important in the history of tennis.

Billie Jean King’s victory was not only related to tennis, but was also an opportunity to highlight the importance of gender equality and the significance of women’s sports. Years later, women’s tennis has become perhaps the most popular women’s sport, with many legends leaving a lasting mark.

King is aware of how important the match between the two is Sabalenka And Kyrgios was, but also that these were different times and that in her time such a victory was perhaps even more important.

“The only similarity is that one is a boy and the other is a girl. That’s all,” King said.

“Everything else, no. Ours was about social change; culturally, where we were in 1973. This one isn’t.

I hope it will be a great match – obviously I want Sabalenka to win – but it’s just not the same.

Mine was really political. It was culturally rough what was involved. I knew I had to beat him for social change. I had many reasons to win.”- she said, as quoted by Tennis365.

Agreements

Speaking about the similarities, King shared her thoughts.

When asked by a journalist whether a Kyrgios victory could potentially jeopardize Sabalenka’s status as world number 1, King pointed out that she is not sure, and that Sabalenka herself can give the best answer after the match. However, Billie Jean King emphasized that female tennis players have never claimed to be better than men.

This match is already causing a flood of reactions, from fans as well as professional tennis players and sports fans. Although Kyrgios is considered the favorite in this match, there is no doubt that we will enjoy the match between Sabalenka and the Australian, and ultimately see who will really win.