"I wouldn't say that had anything to do with social change or any important topics" - Iga Swiatek critical of Battle of the Sexes while admitting women's tennis stands on its own

Iga Swiatek has dismissed any interest from the contentious Battle of the Sexes which was contested between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, stating that women's tennis has nothing else to prove.

There was a lot of criticism for the match between the two players, with many fans and pundits in the tennis world sharing their frustration on the event, with numerous admitting that it was a bad move from the pair.

It did not stop them from going through with it at the end of 2025, both constantly lauding the contest and brimming with confidence for a win. In the end, the overwhelming favourite Nick Kyrgios was the winner, taking down the world number one 6-3, 6-3 despite the disadvantage he had with a smaller court size to aim at and just the one serve, although that was both players.

The six-time Grand Slam champion is currently in Australia competing for her country in the United Cup. In Sydney she was asked about the Battle of the Sexes where she did not resembe the same views has Sabalenka or Kyrgios.

"I haven't watched because I don't watch stuff like that," she commented. "I think for sure it attracted a lot of attention. It was entertainment, but I wouldn't say that had anything to do with social change or any important topics."

She drew comparisons to the 1973 tie where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in one of the biggest sporting moments for gender equality. However, the one in 2025 was vastly different. "I think the name was just the same as the one from the Billie Jean King match in '73. That's it. There were no more similarities because I feel like women's tennis stands on its own right now," she admitted. "We have so many great athletes and great stories to present, we don't necessarily need to compare to men's tennis. Honestly, there doesn't need to be any competition."

The United Cup is one of the unique events in the calendar year where players from the ATP and WTA Tour team up and compete alongside each other for their country. Swiatek and Poland have been a regular force, losing in the final in the prior two events to Germany and USA. They are looking to go one step further in 2026, with the 24-year-old full of praise for the competition, labelling it as the best way to celebrate men's and women's tennis compared to something like the Battle of the Sexes.

"I think actually events like this one, United Cup, brings tennis together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with so much excitement," she said. "Seeing also singles players that usually don't have space to play mixed doubles together, playing these kind of matches, I think this is actually what makes our sport much more interesting and better."

Swiatek has made the United Cup a firm fixture on her schedule in the past few years, but that is not the main aim in Australia. She is looking to complete the career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, with that the only major event she has never won. It would be an incredible achievement if she can, with her recent form fluctuating from being one of the best in the world to vulnerable to an unexpected upset. The competition in Melbourne will take place from January 18 - February 1.