Fans have expressed their discontent with ESPN analyst Chris Evert following a gaffe during the Australian Open broadcast. This incident occurred on the same day that Elena Rybakina secured her second Grand Slam title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final.
Elena Rybakina’s Remarkable Victory
On Saturday, Rybakina triumphed over Sabalenka with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. This win solidified her position as one of the top players in women’s tennis. Rybakina, currently ranked fifth in the world, overcame a challenging third set, where she initially fell behind 3-0.
“It’s an incredible achievement. Super happy and proud,” Rybakina stated after her victory. She highlighted the difficulty of the match, expressing her surprise at turning it around. Rybakina acknowledged Sabalenka’s skills, noting the opponent’s powerful shots and impressive serving ability.
Chris Evert’s Controversial Comment
Following the match, Evert provided analysis alongside Malika Andrews. However, her commentary quickly took a turn for the worse when she mistakenly referred to Aryna Sabalenka as “Ariana,” erroneously linking her to the pop singer Ariana Grande. This slip did not go unnoticed by viewers.
- “Did Chris Evert really call Aryna Sabalenka, Ariana Grande?” one fan questioned on social media.
- Another viewer suggested, “She and Martina should never have a mic in front of them again.”
- Critics also highlighted her attempt to cover the mistake, describing it as bizarre.
Changes in ESPN’s Tennis Coverage
In response to viewer feedback and the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, ESPN has made significant changes to its tennis coverage. Notably, the network parted ways with veteran broadcasters Brad Gilbert and Pam Shriver ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.
Linda Schulz, ESPN’s vice president of production, shared excitement over the new talent lineup. “We’re especially thrilled to welcome Malika Andrews, a longtime tennis fan and accomplished host,” she added, indicating a focus on combining storytelling with insightful commentary.
The Future of Chris Evert at ESPN
Despite the recent controversy, Chris Evert is currently not facing any job threats. ESPN has a history of making adjustments to its broadcasting team, and further changes may occur before the Wimbledon Championships begin on June 29. Fans continue to debate the reliability of sports commentators like Evert in the wake of such blunders.
