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Nick Kyrgios has copped criticism from a prominent tennis insider for his misogynist views ahead of his much-publicized Battle of the Sexes against Aryna Sabalenka later this month. The Aussie is known for his controversial statements, both on and off the court.
Kyrgios previously made unsavory remarks about his peers, Donna Vekic and Anna Kalinskaya. He was also accused by his former girlfriend of common assault. He has also spoken up against equal pay in tennis. His behavior often reflects anti-women views, which has led to a fresh wave of criticism.
Catherine Whitaker, one of the co-hosts of The Tennis Podcast, has highlighted his misogynistic tendencies in the latest episode of her podcast. She opined that he represents nothing but anti-women rhetoric.
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"Nick Kyrgios, a man that stands for something, he represents something. And that's not an accident. He's choosing to stand for and represent misogyny that is his brand. This is what Nick Kyrgios will be representing and fighting for in the self-titled Battle of the Sexes," Whitaker said.
Whitaker commented that should Kyrgios beat Sabalenka, it will only solidify everything he stands for. She called the whole thing a cheap publicity stunt on his part.
"A win for him in this event will be perceived and pitched as a win for what he represents, a validation of his belittling of women's tennis, of the way he perceives women and women's sport as being lesser, purely on the basis of brute power. This event, it feels like a dog whistle, a publicity stunt, a symptom of the populist Trumpian age of dog whistles and division and, and stupidity," Whitaker said.
Sabalenka and Kyrgios will face each other in the fourth prominent installment of the Battle of the Sexes on December 28, 2025 in Dubai. Whitaker isn't the first well-known personality to lambast the event, joining a chorus of notable names who have also criticized it in recent weeks.
Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka's Battle of the Sexes comes under fire from tennis pundits
Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios' upcoming Battle of the Sexes has left fans and critics divided. The showdown has already earned a negative buzz, especially due to Kyrgios' reputation. Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs was one of the first to criticize it, billing the whole charade as "irrelevant", especially compared to the one Billie Jean King competed in.
"150 years ago was important, when it was women trying to fight for equality and women's rights in the United States. That's when it was important. When we had 50,000 or 80,000 plus people in the Metrodome in Houston watching it, and the whole country watching it. No one gives a f**k about what's happening with Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios." Stubbs said.
Former pro Steve Johnson was another critic of the showdown. He opined the contest is downright ridiculous, and that there's no need for something like this at the moment.
"I think it's ridiculous, to be honest. If they're going to play, just play all out. If not, I'm just saying, like I think this whole thing is ridiculous. There's no need to do it," Johnson said.
Sabalenka and Kyrgios, meanwhile, have remained unfazed by the constant reproach. They've continued to promote the event, engaging in some banter ahead of their match.
