Roger Rasheed calls the upcoming Dubai exhibition clash “insulting” to women’s tennis.

Former Lleyton Hewitt coach Roger Rasheed has voiced strong criticism over the upcoming “battle of the sexes” exhibition match between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka, scheduled for December 28 in Dubai.

Rasheed described the event, which will feature modified rules and has drawn comparisons to the famous 1973 Billie Jean King vs Bobby Riggs match, as insulting to women’s tennis.

Speaking on ABC Sport’s Summer Grandstand, Rasheed said:
“I’m not a fan of it, to be honest. I think it’s a lose-lose for the women’s side … I actually think it’s quite insulting, to be perfectly honest. I don’t see where there’s one minute, one second of win for the number one player in the world. If you are looking after Sabalenka commercially, is this a place where you want to be?”

The exhibition has sparked debate in the tennis world, with many questioning whether it truly benefits the players or the sport, despite its commercial and entertainment appeal.