Emma Raducanu — the 2021 US Open champion and one of Britain’s brightest tennis stars — has just given a very direct and unexpected answer when asked if she would ever step onto the court to play against a male ATP player in a competitive match. And her response says a lot about her perspective on tennis, gender matchups, and the sport’s future — sparking reaction from fans around the world. Tennis World USA
When questioned about the rising buzz around “Battle of the Sexes”-style matches — like the recent Sabalenka vs. Kyrgios exhibition — Raducanu didn’t mince words: she said there’s no chance she would sign up to play against an ATP man. Her answer was clear and immediate: “No. I don’t think anyone would sign up for that!” she stated, explaining that while such events can be fun for spectators, they simply aren’t something she would pursue personally. TNT Sports
Raducanu also made it clear she’s not against the idea of these novelty matchups as entertainment for fans. She said she finds them interesting and cool for the public — especially since the Sabalenka-Kyrgios event in Dubai used modified rules to try to balance competition. But personally? She’s not signing up. TNT Sports
Her comments come at a time when tennis is having big conversations about gender, power, and what cross-gender matches could look like. The recent Sabalenka vs. Kyrgios “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition drew enormous attention (and some controversy), with modified court size and serve rules intended to make the match more competitive, though many saw it mainly as entertainment. Reuters
Raducanu’s stance also reflects how she views the physical differences between the men’s and women’s tours. She’s practiced with top ATP players — including Carlos Alcaraz — and acknowledged how heavy the ball feels when hit by the men’s top players during practice sessions. It highlights the technical challenge and physical gap that makes such matches uniquely difficult. geosuper.tv
Despite her clear no-to-one-on-one ATP showdowns, Raducanu did compete alongside an ATP player earlier in 2025 — teaming up with Alcaraz in mixed doubles at the US Open. That experience, however, was a collaborative format, not a head-to-head battle, and ended in a competitive quarter-final exit. Sky Sports
So why might Raducanu shy away from an individual match against a man? Her answer — given without hesitation — hints at respect for the physical rigours and stylistic differences between the tours. Rather than curiosity or bravado, she offered practicality: “It would just be cool for the public” to watch, but she wouldn’t personally take part. TNT Sports
For now, Raducanu is focused on her own WTA tour success, preparation for the upcoming season, and refining her game — not chasing hypothetical ATP matchups. And fans seem divided: some applaud her grounded honesty, while others wish she’d been more curious about the challenge. Regardless, her direct answer has ignited fresh debate about the possibilities — and limits — of cross-gender tennis matchups in the modern era.
