Broadcaster Chris Evert recently faced backlash for mispronouncing Aryna Sabalenka’s name during the Australian Open coverage. Evert mistakenly referred to Sabalenka as “Ariana,” drawing attention and confusion from tennis fans.
Chris Evert’s Gaffe at the Australian Open
During her commentary, Evert made the error while analyzing Sabalenka’s match against Elena Rybakina. After correcting herself, Evert humorously connected the names, saying: “But listen, Ariana, Aryna. Ariana Grande!” This moment quickly drew reactions on social media, with fans expressing their disbelief at the mix-up.
Reactions from Fans
- Many viewers took to social platforms, wondering if they heard Evert correctly.
- Comments ranged from surprise to outright criticism.
- Some defended Evert, recognizing her attempt at humor after the blunder.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Tournament Journey
This incident occurred alongside Sabalenka’s ongoing struggles at major tournaments. The 27-year-old has faced tough defeats in critical matches. Notably, she lost in finals to Madison Keys at the Australian Open and to Coco Gauff at the French Open in 2025. She also fell to Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Sabalenka has acknowledged her past errors and expressed determination to improve. Evert pointed out that Sabalenka had opportunities to win several championships last season, noting how she was once again in the lead during her match before it slipped away. Her lack of control at critical moments has become a recurring challenge.
| Event | Opponent | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Open 2025 Final | Madison Keys | Loss |
| French Open 2025 Final | Coco Gauff | Loss |
| Wimbledon 2025 Semi-Final | Amanda Anisimova | Loss |
As fans and experts reflect on Sabalenka’s journey, Evert’s commentary remains a talking point, highlighting the challenges athletes face in high-stakes competitions.
