Aryna Sabalenka is against the participation of transgender athletes in women's tennis as the four-time Grand Slam champion thinks it would be "unfair" to compete against "a biological male" on the WTA Tour.
In 18 days, Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in the Battle of the Sexes. The match will be played at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Speaking with Piers Morgan to promote the upcoming match, the WTA world No. 1 denied any claims about it possibly "damaging women's tennis."
During the same conversation, Sabalenka was asked how she would feel if she had to compete against a transgender athlete on the Tour. The Belarusian tennis star instantly noted that she "did not have anything against" transgender people, but noted that she wasn't a fan of transgender athletes playing in women's sports.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sabalenka: A biological male would have a huge advantage... Not fair
Thats a tricky question. I have nothing to do against them. But I feel like they still got a huge advantage over the women and I think its not fair on women to face basically biological men. Its not fair. The woman has been working her whole life to reach her limit and then she has to face a man, who is biologically much stronger, so for me I dont agree with this kind of stuff in sport," the 27-year-old told Morgan.
Per the WTA gender participation policy, transgender women need to have their gender for at least four years, have lowered testosterone levels and agree to regular testing.
ADVERTISEMENT
After Sabalenka made her point clear, Kyrgios said he fully agreed with the Belarusian's opinion.
I think she hit the nail on the head," Kyrgios said.
