Featured Image Credit: BBC Sport
Topics: Fan Reactions, Tennis, Nick Kyrgios
Jack Kenmare
A large number of tennis fans shared the same complaint as they tuned into the much-talked-about 'Battle of the Sexes' match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios.
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam winner who has held the number one spot in women's tennis for 70 weeks, went head-to-head against former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios, currently ranked world No. 671, on Sunday evening.
Kyrgios, who hasn't played competitively since March due to injury, and has only featured in six ATP matches since the beginning of the 2023 season, claimed in August that he wouldn't need to play at 100 per cent to defeat Sabalenka.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, claimed she would "go out there and try my best to kick his a**."
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So, how did the pair perform at the Coca-Cola Arena? Kyrgios clinched the first set 6-3, although fans accused the Australian of not giving his all as he brought out an underarm serve on his way to a love hold.
In fact, some switched channels after questioning Kyrgios' commitment to the match.
One fan wrote: "Started to watch the "Battle of the Sexes" match out of curiosity, switched over after 2 games. Kyrgios wasn't even pretending to try, wasn't chasing anything down and wasn't even using 60% of his power. I know it is an exhibition but it's pretty flat as a spectacle."
A second said: "This match is an insult to a sport I like. Kyrgios is playing without any power, like an amateur and is basically just walking around. Sabalenka agreeing to play under special rules with smaller court dimensions on her side is a farce."
A third commented: "I know it's only a bit of fun but Kyrgios is tapping it back over the net at about 30% power like he's playing against a child.
A fourth wrote: "Kyrgios putting in what looks to be about 15% effort makes this already stupid match even more idiotic," and a fifth added: "Kyrgios just patting the ball about. Seen enough after 1 game. Over to watch Spurs."
Krygios went on to secure a 6-3, 6-3 win over Sabalenka.
The exhibition match, which was hosted by Evolve – the agency that represents both players – is the fourth time a man has faced a woman on the tennis court.
For those unaware, the last time a male and female player faced off was when nine-time Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova came up against Jimmy Connors at Caesar's Palace in 1992, with Connors winning the contest 7-5, 6-2.
The court for the match was modified, with Sabalenka's side of the court being reduced by nine per cent to account for a nine per cent speed difference between women and men.
Each player also received one serve, which was said to be aimed at 'restricting Kyrgios' power and speed advantage'.