"Chris Evert is insufferable";"Awful & racist"- Fans slam American icon for 'lazy' commentary in Jasmine Paolini vs Barbora Krejcikova Wimbledon final
Chris Evert came under fire from fans during the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, with many slamming the American for her 'lazy' commentary during the women's final on Saturday. The summit clash saw World No. 7 Jasmine Paolini taking on former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova, with both players looking to win their maiden title at the Grass Major.
Paolini defeated Donna Vekic in the semifinals to reach her maiden final at Wimbledon, while Krejcikova downed former champion Elena Rybakina in the semifinals to reach her second Major final.
Commenting on the title clash for ESPN, Evert repeatedly butchered Paolini's name, referring to the Italian as 'Paolina' multiple times. Fans took to social media to share their frustrations with the 18-time Grand Slam champion, with many complaining that they switched the television to mute rather than hear Evert.
"Chris Evert has said Paolina 3 times and I just turned the match on. Is Paolina in the final right now?" one fan said.
"Chris Evert is as insufferable in the booth as she was on the court. On mute," another wrote.
"SOMEONE TELL CHRIS EVERT that the woman's name is Paolini. Not Paolina," one fan commented.
Fans were of the opinion that Evert's commentart was 'lazy,' reasoning that she should have done her homework about how to properly pronounce the players' names before she came on to the commentary role.
"GIRL chris evert it is PAO LINI. She really just said payoli," one fan said.
"Chris Evert Her name is PAOLINI! Stop saying Paolina!!! That’s just lazy," another wrote.
"Chris Evert is awful and racist. She can't seem to say Paolini. Paolina payolini. Wtf. Had to turn on mute and get Wimbledon radio. Was always an issue of negative with Williams sisters too," one fan tweeted.
Evert is a three-time winner at Wimbledon, having won the title in 1974, 1976 and 1981.
Barbora Krejcikova beats Jasmine Paolini to win maiden Wimbledon title
Meanwhile, on the tennis court, Barbora Krejcikova overcame Jasmine Paolini to win her maiden Wimbledon title. After taking the opening set 6-2, the Czech lost the second by the same scoreline to take things to a decider.
There, Krejcikova prevailed on her third championship point, prevailing 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 after nearly two hours of play. The former World No. 2 has now won her second Major title, following her earlier triumph at the 2021 French Open.