Tennis legend Chris Evert apologises for ‘she plays like a guy’ comment after being called out by Ons Jabeur

Tennis great Chris Evert has come under fire for stereotyping following her comment about Karolina Muchova during the US Open with three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur pleading “can we please stop stereotyping based on gender”.

Evert was on commentary for Muchova’s 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) victory over Naomi Osaka in the second round and remarked: “She plays like a guy. 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.” Jabeur, who finished runner-up at the 2022 US Open and was also a finalist at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, took exception to the 18-time Grand Slam winner’s comment and called her out on social media.

“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?” the Tunisian, who is absent from the final Grand Slam of the year due to injury, wrote on X. It was pointed out to Jabeur that Muchova told Nick Kyrgios during the post-match on-court interview that she based her game on her childhood hero Roger Federer.

“You hit some incredible volleys tonight. It was insane. Then I found out your childhood hero is Roger Federer. Did you take things from his game?” the Australian asked. Muchova replied: “Yeah for sure. I watched him. I watched you.. all the guys doing these things and I really like it. So I try to put it in my game. I just enjoy playing like this. It’s fun and that’s why I play. I’m glad I could pull off some nice shots today.”

Evert, though, apologized for causing “offence” with her comment.
“I apologize if I offended you both, 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!”

To which Jabeur replied: “I appreciate your answer Chrissie so many great women out there playing unbelievable tennis. We are in need of supporting each other ❤️” But Kyrgios also chimed in later as he applauded Jabeur for calling out the “stereotyping”.

“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,” he wrote.