Aryna Sabalenka Sparks Controversy with Comments on Transgender Athletes
Aryna Sabalenka is known for speaking her mind, but her recent remarks about transgender athletes ignited significant controversy. Fans reacted swiftly, expressing shock and disappointment over the Belarusian star’s comments.
Currently in New York, Sabalenka played an exhibition match against Naomi Osaka at Madison Square Garden. The two faced off following a thrilling three-set battle between Nick Kyrgios and Tommy Paul. Sabalenka, World No. 1, defeated Osaka in straight sets.
During her visit to the city, Sabalenka joined Piers Morgan for an interview alongside Kyrgios. When asked about transgender athletes competing in women’s tennis, she stated that while she personally had “nothing” against them, she felt it was “unfair” for women to compete against “biological men.”
“I have nothing against them, but I feel like they still have a huge advantage over women,” Sabalenka said. “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.”
Fans expressed strong disapproval on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing Sabalenka’s remarks. One user wrote: “Spreading harmful propaganda (the words she chose to talk about trans women say it all) next to an abuser and on the show of a bigot, great job representing women’s tennis. Just pathetic and embarrassing.”
Others highlighted the irony of Sabalenka making such comments while sitting beside Nick Kyrgios, who has been involved in controversies of his own. “Attacking trans women out of the blue because their existence in sports is ‘unfair to women’ while sitting next to an abuser; one thing misogynists will have is the AUDACITY,” another tweeted.
Additional reactions included:
– “She’s such a terrible image for women’s tennis. Imagine being the World No. 1 and sitting next to an abuser. It’s so embarrassing and honestly really disappointing for the sport.”
– “For the good of women’s tennis I need Iga to get back No. 1 ASAP because I’m sick of Sabalenka.”
– “Sat next to a domestic abuser talking about what’s fair and unfair for women is insane.”
Aryna Sabalenka to Face Nick Kyrgios in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Showdown
Looking ahead, Sabalenka is set to face Nick Kyrgios in a highly anticipated ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 28. The event is organized by their agency, Evolve.
Sabalenka has faced criticism for agreeing to the match, especially given Kyrgios’s reputation as one of tennis’s most controversial figures. Kyrgios has already sent a provocative warning to Sabalenka: “She’s not going to beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100 percent?”
Sabalenka responded confidently: “Nick, you better be ready. I’m gonna kick your a**. I’ve got some little tricks up my sleeve.”
Reflecting on her recent form, Sabalenka enjoyed a spectacular 2025 season—winning four titles including a Grand Slam at the US Open, reaching the finals of the French Open and Australian Open, and finishing the year as World No. 1.
Meanwhile, Kyrgios spent much of the year on the sidelines, playing only four tournaments, and is now aiming to close out his career on his own terms.
Stay tuned for this intriguing clash between two of tennis’s most prominent personalities.
*Edited by Pritha Ghosh*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-aryna-sabalenka-spreading-harmful-propaganda-pathetic-embarrassing-fans-slam-belarusian-attacking-trans-athletes
