Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka says female athletes facing trans competitors 'just not fair to women'

The modifications make sense, given Sabalenka's thoughts on women facing biological men in sports.

"I have nothing against them, but I feel like they still have a huge advantage over women," Sabalenka told Piers Morgan Tuesday. "I think it's just not fair to women to basically face biological men. It's not fair. The women work their whole life to reach her limit, and then she has to face a man, which is biologically much stronger. So. for me, I don't agree with this kind of stuff in sport."

Kyrgios added that he felt "the exact same way."

The name of the Sabalenka-Kyrgios exhibition was borrowed from the 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which King won in straight sets in the Houston Astrodome.

Since the end of the 2022 tennis season, Kyrgios has played in just five events, largely because of injuries - one in 2023 and four in 2025. He has since made a name for himself in the broadcast booth.

"I cannot wait to get back out on court," Kyrgios said in an Instagram story. "Honestly, I'm feeling amazing. I never thought I would be back in this position, being able to travel the world, see my fans and play some amazing tennis."

Due to his lack of play, Kyrgios, who was once ranked as high as No. 13, is ranked No. 652.

Sabalenka and Kyrgios played exhibition matches in New York earlier this week. Sabalenka faced Naomi Osaka, while Kyrgios went against Tommy Paul.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.