US Open commentator issues apology after being accused of 'stereotyping based on gender'
Ons Jabeur and Nick Kyrgios have both been critical of the commentator in question.
Serial Grand Slam winner Chris Evert has publicly apologised after saying that Karolina Muchova 'plays like a guy'. Evert made the remark while on co-commentary duties for Muchova's impressive win over Naomi Osaka at the US Open.
Czech athlete Muchova is yet to drop a set at Flushing Meadows this year, with her opening-round win over Katie Volynets followed up by a 6-3 7-5 triumph over two-time US Open champion Osaka.
And Evert felt that Muchova's big-serving performance against the Japanese was more characteristic of a player on the men's side of the draw.
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"She plays like a guy," said the 18-time Grand Slam champion. "She wants to play like a guy. The guys have bigger serves than the women, they have better volleys for the most part, they move a little bit better."
The comments sparked backlash among male and female tennis stars, with fan favourite Ons Jabeur responding: "Muchova is an amazing talented player. She doesn’t have to be a guy to have great serve, volley or movement. Can we please stop stereotyping based on gender?"
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios jumped on the bandwagon as he added: "I agree! SHE WAS AMAZING. Why does it matter? Her volleys were amazing, she was unreal. Ons teach me your slice pls lol, mine hits the fence."
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The negative reaction has now led to Evert issuing an apology. "I apologise if I offended you," she posted on X. "Certainly not my intention. The power, mobility and athleticism has improved so much, and many women I interview have men idols who they aspire to play like. Again, maybe my delivery could've been better, so sorry!"
Evert is not the first high-profile figure to end up in Jabeur's crosshairs. She called out Madrid Open organisers earlier this year for 'favouring men' and asked for talks with French Open director Amelie Mauesmo over the timing of women's matches.
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Muchova is back in action today (Saturday) with a third-round match against Anastasia Popatova. Popatova beat former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the first round and Varvara Lepchenko in the second to set up her date with the Czech.
With plenty of experience in the late stages of Grand Slams, Muchova will hope for another deep run at Flushing Meadows this year after reaching the semi-finals 12 months ago.
