"Like she's Jessica Pegula's mother";"Spreading misinformation": Fans slam Chris Evert's 'unprofessional' commentary for Aryna Sabalenka's US Open win
Chris Evert's commentary during the 2024 US Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula has sparked outrage among tennis fans. The American legend faced backlash for her ignorance about Sabalenka's ranking history and her apparent bias towards Pegula.
Shaking off the horrors of her devastating defeat to Coco Gauff in last year's US Open final, Sabalenka claimed a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5 victory over Pegula in an hour and 53 minutes to clinch her maiden title at the New York Major and her third Grand Slam title overall.
However, fans found their enjoyment of the thrilling clash disrupted by Chris Evert's commentary. During the broadcast, the American legend suggested that Aryna Sabalenka would claim the World No. 1 ranking someday, unaware that the 26-year-old has already held the top spot for eight weeks after the 2023 US Open.
"Chris Evert: One day, she’ll be no. 1, on Aryna Lady, she left the Open as the new no. 1 last year," a fan posted.
Fans were baffled by the 18-time Grand Slam champion's oversight, calling her out for "spreading misinformation" to viewers.
"Just spreading misinformation on the official broadcast, ughh," a fan wrote.
"@ChrissieEvert and @& Aryna Sabalenka was World #1 for about 8 weeks in 2023 after reaching the F of the @usopen," one fan commented.
Others were incensed over Chris Evert's remarks about Sabalenka "coming into her own as a woman."
"Chris Evert says Aryna Sabalenka “has come into her own as a woman,” and my TV just changed channel of its own volition," one fan shared.
"Chrissie must have said three times “coming into her own as a woman” - like what does that even mean? Nobody would talk about Sinner coming into his own “as a man”. This commentating is so annoying," another fan contended.
Several fans also lambasted the former World No. 1 for her "unprofessional" commentary, claiming she displayed her blatant bias towards Jessica Pegula.
"Chris Evert is straight up rooting for Pegula to win and not trying to hide it… smh," one fan posted.
"Chris evert calling this match like she's pegula's f**king mother is making me homicidal. hearing her call her jessie & then with her next breath talking about sabalenka's attitude is the most cringe, unprofessional thing," another fan chimed in.
Meanwhile, other fans argued that Evert referring to Aryna Sabalenka's loss in last year's US Open final as a "meltdown" was "insulting" to Coco Gauff and undermined her "superior" performance.
"Chris Evert keeps calling Sabalenka's performance in last year's US Open final a "meltdown" and I think that is insulting to Gauff," a fan commented.
"I’m not a fan of the way Chris Evert saying Sabalenka had a “meltdown” last year as if Coco Gauff wasn’t the superior player I’m not surprised in the slightest but the revisionist history is unnecessary," another fan wrote.
"I'm just super proud of myself" - Aryna Sabalenka after beating Jessica Pegula to win US Open 2024 title and overcome 2023 heartbreak
Following her triumph over Jessica Pegula, Aryna Sabalenka expressed her delight at overcoming her past losses at the US Open, including her devastating defeat to Coco Gauff in last year's final.
"You know everything I'm thinking, I remember all those stuff, losses in the past here and, and you know, just, it's gonna sound easy but never give up on your dream and just keep, keep trying, keep working hard," Aryna Sabalenka said during the trophy presentation.
The World No. 2 also expressed immense pride in herself for achieving her long-held dream of triumphing at Flushing Meadows, acknowledging the sacrifices she made along the way.
"And, if you're really working hard and you're sacrificing everything for your dream, you're gonna get it one day. So I'm just, I'm just super proud of myself. I never say that. But really guys, I'm super proud of myself," she added.
Aryna Sabalenka also extended a heartwarming message of encouragement to Jessica Pegula, expressing confidence in the American's ability to win a Grand Slam title.