Former American tennis player Steve Johnson has openly criticized the upcoming “Battle of the Sexes” match featuring Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, which is set to take place in Dubai on December 28, 2025. The highly publicized exhibition event has quickly become one of the most divisive topics in tennis, drawing both intrigue and backlash from fans and professionals alike.
The match, organized under the banner of Evolve, the sports management agency representing both Sabalenka and Kyrgios, seeks to revive the spirit of the original “Battle of the Sexes” between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973. That legendary contest became a defining moment in the history of gender equality in sports, symbolizing women’s growing presence and recognition in professional athletics. However, the 2025 version has sparked controversy, with many critics calling it a shallow marketing ploy rather than a meaningful statement on equality.
Sabalenka, the current World No. 1, and Kyrgios, who has slipped to No. 650 after a long injury hiatus, are both known for their fiery personalities and massive fan followings. Still, fans and experts have questioned the intent behind the exhibition, claiming it could do more harm than good. Some believe that if Sabalenka were to lose, it could unfairly reignite gender-based stereotypes in tennis. Others argue that the match is less about competition and more about commercial gain for Evolve, which is owned by fellow tennis star Naomi Osaka.
During an episode of the Nothing Major podcast, Johnson did not hold back his frustration over the concept. Calling the event “ridiculous,” he expressed doubt over whether Kyrgios would even take the match seriously.
“I think it’s ridiculous, to be honest,” Johnson said. “If they’re going to play, they should go all out. Otherwise, what’s the point? We’re not going to get anywhere with this. If they start changing serves, adjusting court parameters, or treating it like an exhibition joke, it’s meaningless. Nick’s effort will always be a question mark — and that’s why I’m not watching a single second of it.”
Johnson’s comments reflect a broader skepticism surrounding the matchup. Despite Sabalenka’s exceptional form—she successfully defended her US Open title this year and finished as runner-up at the 2025 WTA Finals—many feel the event diminishes the seriousness of her accomplishments. Meanwhile, Kyrgios, who missed much of the 2024 season due to a wrist injury, only recently returned to competitive play at the Brisbane International and has participated in just five matches this year. His fitness, commitment, and motivation remain under scrutiny.
Adding to the debate, renowned coach and commentator Rennae Stubbs, who once coached Serena Williams, questioned the relevance of reviving a concept like “Battle of the Sexes” in today’s era. Speaking on her podcast, Stubbs said the original match was significant because it occurred at a time when women were still fighting for basic equality in sport and society. In her view, the modern version is purely an entertainment gimmick.
“It mattered 150 years ago—or at least 50 years ago—when women were fighting for rights and equality in the U.S.,” Stubbs explained. “Back then, it meant something when 50,000 or 80,000 people watched Billie Jean King make history. But no one cares about Sabalenka and Kyrgios playing in Dubai. The only reason this is happening is because Evolve, their management company, wants to make money. Get it on TV, sell some tickets—that’s it. But what does it really do for women’s tennis?”
The involvement of Naomi Osaka, who co-founded Evolve, has also drawn criticism. Some fans have accused her of exploiting the legacy of the original “Battle of the Sexes” for profit, suggesting that Osaka’s business interests overshadow the sport’s integrity. While neither Osaka nor her company has publicly addressed the backlash, social media has been buzzing with debates about whether the event celebrates gender equality or undermines it.
As the December match date approaches, anticipation and skepticism continue to build. While supporters of the event view it as a lighthearted exhibition meant to bring attention to tennis during the off-season, detractors argue it risks trivializing decades of progress in women’s sports. Whether Sabalenka and Kyrgios deliver a genuine, competitive showdown—or merely stage a spectacle—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the 2025 “Battle of the Sexes” has already succeeded in reigniting one of tennis’s most polarizing conversations.
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