Billie Jean King Responds to New Battle of the Sexes Proposal

Recent comments from tennis professionals about a potential modern “Battle of the Sexes” match have drawn a response from a notable figure in sports and advocacy. The exchange highlights ongoing discussions about gender dynamics in athletics.

Main News

Tennis player Nick Kyrgios suggested on his podcast that a match between himself and top-ranked female player Aryna Sabalenka would be a “massive” event. Kyrgios stated that he and Sabalenka had joked about the possibility.

In response, Ilana Kloss, the wife of tennis legend and equal rights advocate Billie Jean King, addressed the idea. Kloss reacted to a news headline about the proposed match on social media. Her comment on the post was simply, “Please don’t.”

Billie Jean King famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match. That event was a significant moment for both sports and social change regarding gender equality.

Summary

Nick Kyrgios discussed the concept of a contemporary cross-gender exhibition match with Aryna Sabalenka, suggesting it would draw considerable attention. The conversation was mentioned during an episode of his podcast.

This prompted a reaction from Ilana Kloss, who is married to Billie Jean King. Kloss responded to a social media post about the potential match with a brief, dissuading comment.

The original 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match, won by Billie Jean King, remains a historic reference point in discussions about gender and sport. Kloss’s reaction connects the modern proposal to this legacy.

FAQs

**What did Nick Kyrgios propose?**
Nick Kyrgios mentioned on his podcast that a match between himself and Aryna Sabalenka had been joked about. He suggested such an event would be “massive.”

How did Ilana Kloss respond?
Ilana Kloss, Billie Jean King’s wife, replied to a social media post about the idea with the comment “Please don’t.” This was her direct, published reaction to the headline.

Why is the “Battle of the Sexes” relevant here?
Billie Jean King’s victory in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs is a landmark event. Any new proposal for a high-profile match between male and female players inevitably references this history.