Chris Evert Faces Fan Backlash Over US Open Commentary
What was supposed to be one of the most thrilling US Open semifinals ended up being overshadowed by a storm of controversy. The match between Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova had all the makings of a classic: big serves, dramatic comebacks, and relentless rallies. Osaka struck first, taking the opening set in a tight tiebreak, showing off her explosive serve and racking up 15 aces. But Anisimova refused to fold. She clawed her way back from behind in the second set, pushed it to a breaker, and completely dominated that phase to level things up. Then, in the deciding set, the young American took control, breaking early and never letting go of her lead, sealing her spot in the US Open final after nearly three hours of top-tier tennis.
But instead of celebrating that accomplishment, much of the conversation online focused on one person in the broadcast booth—Chris Evert. The 18-time Grand Slam champion was accused by fans of biased commentary and overly harsh criticism, particularly when it came to Osaka’s use of on-court coaching. While rules now allow players to receive coaching during changeovers, Evert repeatedly described it as a weakness, saying players should “figure it out” on their own. For many fans, the repetition was simply too much.
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Social media lit up during the match. Viewers complained that her tone was condescending and that she harped on the same point so often it distracted from the match itself. One fan even joked that Evert’s feelings about coaching had been mentioned “742 times,” turning frustration into sarcasm. Others accused her of delivering “hater energy” and making the broadcast experience unpleasant. Some even admitted they dreaded listening to more commentary if the match stretched further, despite being eager for more tennis.
Evert also drew criticism for minor errors, such as mispronouncing Elina Svitolina’s name while recalling a previous match involving Osaka. Small slips like that fueled the impression that her commentary was sloppy, or worse, dismissive. Adding to this was a broader sense that Evert’s negativity during women’s matches isn’t new. She has been called out in the past for critical remarks about players like Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova, with fans insisting the men’s game is treated with more balance on air.
Of course, defending a live broadcast isn’t easy. Tennis is fast, emotions run high, and commentators are asked to fill air time with analysis, predictions, and context. But this episode shows how sensitive fans are to tone and repetition. Instead of being remembered for Anisimova’s breakout win or Osaka’s battling spirit, the match has become linked to frustration over the commentary.
For Amanda Anisimova, however, the night still stands as a career milestone. She fought through one of the toughest opponents in the sport, earned her place in the final, and now faces Aryna Sabalenka for the championship. While Chris Evert may be dealing with criticism off the court, Anisimova will be focused squarely on her biggest match yet.
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