Andrew Peach
๐ค SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
And we don't know if there'll be any rules in place which will kind of even up the physicality of the game.
And there's been a split opinions at the moment.
Some people think it's a bit of harmless entertainment, which will successfully attract new eyeballs to the game, especially in this era of social media content.
You'd imagine a Battle of the Sexes style event would really fly on social media and get people engaged.
But others believe it's a misguided idea.
It's been organised by an agency which both players share, so that's why they've been brought together.
But people fear that it sets up an opportunity for women's sport to be belittled if Sabalenka, who is the outstanding player in the women's game and has been for the past 18 months, is beaten by a player who's been injured and some consider relatively washed up.
That is the contrast, isn't it, with 1973 when the match was supposed to improve the credibility of the women's game.
Some say this could do the women's game untold damage.
Yes, they do.
There is a concern about how this will play out.
I mean, it seems difficult to understand what Sabalenka gains, really.
I mean, clearly there's going to be a financial reward and a boost to her profile.
And the venue suggests that that might be an important factor too.
Yes, that's correct.
Yeah, it's going to be held in Dubai.
That's somewhere where Sabalenka lives, actually.
And I think so from her perspective, she holds that place dear to her heart.
But there is a financial impact and incentive there.
What she stands to gain from an uncourt perspective is difficult to gather at the moment, especially if she does lose to a man who's not been fit for a long time.