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Rennae Stubbs expressed her frustration over Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios' upcoming Battle of the Sexes, stating that the face-off holds no real significance and is merely a stunt by the sports management company, Evolve. The much-anticipated event will take place on December 28, 2025. Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios joined Naomi Osaka-founded company, Evolve, in 2022 and 2025, respectively. While the Belarusian has been reigning on top as the No. 1 player on the WTA Tour, Kyrgios was sidelined for 18 months due to a wrist injury until returning on the tour in 2025. The players' much-talked-about Battle of the Sexes has sparked debate across the tennis world. Even Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, found it irrelevant, calling it a mere PR stunt by Evolve to rack up money and provide entertainment for the audience.She also noted that had it been 150 years ago when women fought for equality, the Sabalenka vs Kyrgios clash would have made sense to her. "The 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. I mean, the only reason they're putting this on is because it is literally their company, Evolve, who's their management company, is going, we're going to make a bit of money here. This will be good. Get it on TV. Sell a few tickets. But what is in this for women's tennis?" (48:00 onwards)She further questioned the gravity of the match, adding:"And Nick Kyrgios, unless he's hurt, like really hurt and can't run at all, he is going to win this match so easily. It's just a fact, male tennis players, especially someone as good as Nick Kyrgios, if he's playing at 50%, he's going to win that match. And it just doesn't make sense to me. Is Sabalenka going to be serious? Is it going to be like a joke?Aryna Sabalenka sent a playful cautionary message to Nick Kyrgios ahead of the matchupAryna Sabalenka at the WTA Finals 2025 - Previews - Source: GettyAryna Sabalenka, who recently won her second straight US Open title and registered a dominant season, is continuing her excellence at the WTA Finals. It's no different that she will put her best foot forward at the Battle of the Sexes as well. Recently, she sat in conversation with Jay Shetty in his podcast, where the Belarusian sent a playful caution to the Australian, saying:"Well, Nick, you gotta be ready. You'd better be ready. Yeah.. I'm gonna kick your a** man. I think the ATP is gonna cancel the battle. They'll be like, ok, if its happening, let it be Jannik or Carlos, but not Nick," she said. One of the most legendary Battle of the Sexes took place in 1973 between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, and the former trounced Riggs in straight sets. This came after Riggs took on Margaret Court and defeated her.
