Wimbledon 2024: Tennis Fans Mince No Words Over Chris Evert’s Biased ESPN Commentary on Emma Navarro and Naomi Osaka
What could be a better feeling than seeing your compatriots shine, especially on the prestigious courts of Wimbledon? Emma Navarro recently showed Naomi Osaka the exit door by serving her with a straight-set defeat. The 23-year-old’s dominant form made every other American jump off their seats and a similar feeling turned Chris Evert into a fangirl too. However, the fact that she sits on a chair that requires being unbiased seems to have caused chaos.
The fans had a reason to celebrate with Emma Navarro moving past Naomi Osaka. The American took her down in a match that lasted for just 58 minutes. While everyone was enjoying her impressive play on their TV screens, Chris Evert, the commentator for ESPN, unleashed her patriotism. While the 23-year-old was giving a tough time to her rival, the former pro consistently backed her with comments that seemed to be a little extra.
During the commentary session, Evert announced that the American WTA star should rise up to another level while taking down her rival, Naomi Osaka. Although it would seem fine to hype up the victor, the fact that she consistently ignored the Japanese triggered the attention of the spectators.
What a performance
No.19 seed Emma Navarro beats Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-1 in just 58 minutes on her Centre Court debut#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/vsabLOnwGc
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2024
This incident also found its strings attached to a moment when the same commentator and WTA legend went full-on to back Osaka. During her impressive performance in Doha, the former pro stepped forward to sing songs about her strong levels of patience. “It was just a matter of time. Greatness doesn’t disappear,” she wrote in a post on X, which was wholeheartedly dedicated to Naomi Osaka.
Although Osaka couldn’t match the levels of her second-round opponent, fans still didn’t support Chris Evert’s one-sided commentary for Emma Navarro.
Fans urge Chris Evert to “stop talking” after Emma Navarro’s R2 win
Soon after the match ended and both the players found their way out of the court, fans decided to ignite discussions. While a majority of the conversations were either about Navarro’s dominance or about Naomi Osaka’s struggles, a big share was taken by frustration on ESPN’s commentator Chris Evert.
Ken Fang of Awful Announcing, thoroughly annoyed with a similar take from commentators, mocked, “I have BBC One with Emma Raducanu-Elise Mertens on my iPad and Naomi Osaka-Emma Navarro on ESPN, I hear Tracy Austin say Elise Mertens has to elevate to another level. Then Chris Evert says Emma Navarro has to elevate to another level.” The concluding line read, “I think elevating to another level is key.”
I have BBC One with Emma Raducanu-Elise Mertens on my iPad and Naomi Osaka-Emma Navarro on ESPN, I hear Tracy Austin say Elise Mertens has to elevate to another level. Then Chris Evert says Emma Navarro has to elevate to another level.
I think elevating to another level is key
— Ken Fang — Very Asian (@fangsbites) July 3, 2024
Another fan, being annoyed with the consistent raving about Emma Navarro’s lead while it was already evident, wrote, “Why is Chris Evert raving about Navarro stop it.” Seasonal raving is something that Chris Evert is used to. While earlier it was all about Coco Gauff, Navarro became her new target this time.
There have been several reports of Evert going one-sided with the players that she admires. Pointing out a similar finding, another fan commented, “chrissie evert actually has the most biased commentary ever, ive never muted so fast.” While it was Naomi Osaka back at Roland Garros, Navarro seems to be her pick this time.
A majority of the fans have a track of the time when Chris Evert was all in to support the Japanese WTA star. A fan wrote, “@ChrissieEvert The Navarro fangirling is ridiculous. Acting like Naomi has no skills. And saying Naomi looks to her coach for advice a lot. What?” as today marked a completely different story.
While a majority of the fans had issues with her biased backing, a fan came forward to simply complain that she speaks a lot. “Sorry for OT. But ESPN, please ask Chrissie Evert to stop talking SO MUCH! She never shuts up! It’s impossible to enjoy Wimbledon matches she calls,” the comment said. Although it is her job as a commentator, maintaining silence during crucial shots becomes necessary.
With these and several other comments on a similar note, the fans made it clear that they don’t really appreciate or trust Chris Evert’s opinion. While she has no plans to retire from this gig, it seems like they will have to make peace with it.
