Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek has said tennis did not need the recent ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka, arguing that the women’s game stands on its own.

The high-profile exhibition in Dubai last week saw Kyrgios defeat Sabalenka in straight sets on a modified court designed to level the playing field.

Swiatek, currently world number two, said she did not watch the match and emphasized that the event, unlike the historic 1973 Billie Jean King vs Bobby Riggs match, had no relevance to social change.

“I think for sure it attracted a lot of attention. It was entertainment, but I wouldn’t say that had anything to do with social change or any important topics,” she said.

“Women’s tennis stands on its own right now. We have so many great athletes and stories to present, and we don’t need to compare to men’s tennis.”

Swiatek added that competition between men and women in this format is unnecessary and highlighted the mixed-team United Cup as a better celebration of the sport.

“Events like the United Cup bring tennis together. Seeing singles players who usually don’t play mixed doubles teaming up makes the sport more interesting and better,” she said.

The United Cup, which began in Australia on Friday, features one men’s and one women’s singles match along with a mixed doubles contest. Players including Emma Raducanu, Katie Swan, Neal Skupski, Billy Harris, and Olivia Nicholls will represent Great Britain, facing Japan in Perth on Sunday.