"Money grab" - Serena Williams' ex-coach makes frustrations clear with Kyrgios vs Sabalenka 'Battle of the Sexes'

Serena Williams' former coach Rennae Stubbs has issued a scathing review of Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios' widely debated 'Battle of the Sexes' showdown. Stubbs was highly unimpressed by the clash and did not mince words while voicing her opinion on the intent behind the event.

The 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibitions has been a topic of contention since it's announcement, with fans heavily criticizing Sabalenka and calling it a "huge setback" for women's tennis. Casper Ruud and former players like Paul McNamee and Greg Rusedski have also been critical of the matchup. The event took place on December 28 in Dubai, with Kyrgios claiming a 6-3, 6-3 victory over the WTA World No. 1.

Although Rennae Stubbs chose not to tune into the match, she expressed her frustration that it had prompted an outpouring of misogyny and attacks against the transgender community.

"Didn’t watch 1 point of #BOS But judging by my 5 min on social media, the nonsense being written by people about it is the reason it was a 🙄 event. Misogynists out in droves, people going after the trans community in women’s sports (fyi look up Renee Richards) & for what? $$$$," she posted on X.

The Australian also denounced the event as a "money grab" for Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, emphasizing that it was "impossible" for a top WTA star to compete with a good ATP player.

"Let's just call it was it was, shall we. It was a money grab for both players & their management group. Entertaining? U decide. Important? No. No top woman can compete with a good male player, it’s NOT PHYSICALLY POSSIBLE! But $$$ got got! So i hope it was worth it," she wrote.

Stubbs went on to lament the "annoying" surge of complaints about female athletes being "less than" their male counterparts and asserted that the women deserved respect for all their hard work.

"It’s just annoying that there are idiots in the world that now want to have a go at female athletes for being “less then” which is NONSENSE!!! They train as hard, compete as hard & deserve RESPECT for how good they are! So if you’re going to be a misogynist, you’re the problem✌️," Subbs concluded.

Despite the widespread criticism, Nick Kyrgios has said that his 'Battle of the Sexes' clash against Aryna Sabalenka was very beneficial for tennis as it signified "unity in the sport."

Aryna Sabalenka angles for "revenge" against Nick Kyrgios as she teases 'Battle of the Sexes' sequel

Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios - Source: Getty

Aryna Sabalenka has also been undeterred by the controversy, as she took pride in her performance against Nick Kyrgios. In her post-match interview, the World No. 1 said that she had figured out the correct tactic to beat Kyrgios in a rematch.

"I felt great. I think I put on a great fight. He was struggling. He got really tight. I’m happy to see the guy is getting tight when taking away one of my serves. I think it was a great level. I made a lot of great shots. Moved a lot to the net. Great drop shots Nick. Great serving. I really enjoyed the show. I think… not I think… I feel like next time I play him I already know the tactic. I know his strength and weaknesses. It’s gonna be a better match for sure," Sabalenka said.

Sabalenka also expressed her desire to take "revenge" against the Australian and said that she would welcome another 'Battle of the Sexes' showdown.

"Yeah. I love revenge. I love to challenge myself. I would love to play again," she added.

The rematch will have to wait, however, as Aryna Sabalenka is set to kick off her 2026 season at the Brisbane International, which commences on January 4. Nick Kyrgios will join the Belarusian at the event, making his ATP Tour comeback ahead of the Australian Open.

Edited by Urvi Mehra