Kyrgios has been regarded by many as a divisive personality within tennis, due to his complex past both on and away from the court.
The Australian competitor has been subjected to several penalties throughout his career because of unsuitable conduct and heated reactions.
There have also been claims involving domestic abuse and accusations pertaining to prejudiced statements.
Kyrgios admitted guilt in relation to an assault on a former girlfriend in 2023, and subsequently distanced himself from contentious online figure Andrew Tate in 2024.
His recent remarks regarding a potential match against Sabalenka – casually questioning in a podcast if he would even need to “try 100%” in order to secure victory – have sparked worries that the event may promote misogyny.
However, Kyrgios’s manner was noticeably different in a formal announcement pertaining to the forthcoming event.
“When the top-ranked player in the world challenges you, you accept the challenge. I have considerable respect for Aryna; she demonstrates immense strength and is a legitimate champion,” he stated.
Sabalenka does not appear to consider that the match will generate any adverse effects concerning the portrayal of women’s sports, simply expressing at the US Open her sentiment that it represents a “cool idea”.
Catherine Whitaker, who co-hosts the Tennis Podcast, holds a contrary viewpoint.
“I perceive an absolute absence of potential gains for women’s tennis – I only observe negativity,” she conveyed to BBC Sport.
“It represents a coarse commercial endeavor and a platform for one of the most publicly outspoken misogynists within tennis, whose sole desire is for attention.
“If Sabalenka achieves victory, she will have defeated a man who lacks fitness and has been notably insignificant for several years. What benefit does she derive? None. Unless she achieves a score of 6-0 6-0, individuals will only identify reasons to criticize women’s tennis.
“If Kyrgios emerges victorious, he and others sharing his viewpoint will assert that it validates everything he has been expressing. It is objectionable to provide him with a platform.
“I find it extraordinarily absurd that this is scheduled to occur in 2025.”
