Swiatek shared her views after a high-profile exhibition match between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka attracted global attention. She said women’s tennis does not need gender-based singles events to prove its value.
In the Dubai exhibition on Sunday, former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios defeated women’s world number one Sabalenka 6-3 6-3. Organisers had introduced several rule changes to make the contest more balanced.
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Despite the adjustments, the result sparked criticism from fans and experts. Many argued the match distracted from the quality and competitiveness of the women’s game.
The exhibition was promoted as a modern version of the historic “Battle of the Sexes”. The original event took place in 1973, when Billie Jean King defeated former Grand Slam winner Bobby Riggs.
Critics warned that reviving such matches risks trivialising women’s tennis rather than supporting it. They believe women’s sport should be judged on its own achievements, not comparisons.
Swiatek’s comments reflect a wider view among players who feel the women’s tour is strong, popular, and capable of standing on its own without novelty events.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek said she chose not to watch the Dubai contest, which King said lacked the stakes of her historic clash and critics dismissed as a publicity stunt and cash grab.
"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," Swiatek told reporters at the season-opening mixed team United Cup in Sydney.
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"The name was just the same ... that's it. There were no similarities because women's tennis stands on its own right now. We have so many great athletes and great stories to present, we don't necessarily need to compare to men's tennis."
Sabalenka, who will be among the favourites at this month's Australian Open, had argued after her defeat to Kyrgios that her intention was to help the sport grow and showcase an exhibition that could almost rival a major in excitement.
Swiatek said the January 2-11 United Cup in Sydney and Perth featuring 18 nations was a better way to achieve that.
"It's a totally different story. There doesn't need to be any competition. Events like this one, the United Cup, brings tennis all together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with so much excitement," the Pole added.
"Seeing singles players that usually don't have space to play mixed doubles together, playing these kind of matches, I think this is actually what makes our sport much more interesting and better."
