Summary
Tennis legend Billie Jean King compared the upcoming "Battle of the Sexes" match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios to her famous 1973 match against Bobby Riggs, saying they are not the same. King emphasized that her match aimed to promote social change and gender equality, while the upcoming match is primarily for entertainment.
Key Facts
- Billie Jean King played a famous "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs in 1973.
- King's victory in 1973 was watched by an estimated 90 million people globally.
- The 1973 match was significant for the women's rights movement and equality in sports.
- Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will play a similar exhibition match on December 28 in Dubai.
- The upcoming match will have altered rules, such as Sabalenka’s side of the court being 9% smaller.
- King stated her 1973 match had political and social importance, unlike the new match.
- The new match is considered by some as entertainment and by others as potentially harmful to women's tennis if Sabalenka loses.
