Billie Jean King has distanced herself from this year’s Battle of the Sexes tennis showdown, insisting hers was about “social change”, while the 2025 edition is “entertainment”. World number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Australian Nick Kyrgios in a Battle of the Sexes match in Dubai on 30 December.

When Aryna Sabalenka faces Nick Kyrgios, it will be under the banner of the Battle of the Sexes - but the stakes will not be as high as those that faced Billie Jean King 52 years ago.

Back then in 1973, women struggled for equal rights in almost every aspect of life. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Fans questioned the motive behind the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event, beyond the broadcast ratings and money generated.