The Australian Open women's final delivered high drama on the court, but it was a moment in the ESPN commentary booth that's now dominating the conversation. Veteran analyst Chris Evert, a tennis legend with decades in the sport, committed a viral gaffe that has fans calling for her job.
A Grand Slam Final Marred by a Grand Mix-Up
Elena Rybakina etched her name in history with a stunning comeback victory over top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, claiming the title in a thrilling three-set battle. After the match, during ESPN's post-game analysis with host Malika Andrews, Evert attempted to break down Sabalenka's performance. What followed was an awkward stumble that instantly lit up social media.
"But listen, Ariana, Aryna. Ariana Grande," Evert said, correcting herself after initially referring to the world No. 1 tennis star by the name of the global pop sensation. She continued her analysis, stating, "Aryna Sabalenka is used to having every match on her racket. She finally came up against an opponent who plays the same way."
Social Media Erupts in Criticism
The slip did not go unnoticed. Within minutes, the platform X was flooded with reactions from incredulous viewers. One fan posted, "Did Chris Evert really call Aryna Sabalenka, Ariana Grande?" Another demanded, "She and Martina should never have a mic in front of them again," referencing fellow analyst Martina Navratilova. A third criticized the recovery attempt: "She mispronounced Aryna and then tried to cover it up in a bizarre way."
The backlash highlights the intense scrutiny facing broadcasters, especially during major events. For many fans, the mistake was emblematic of a perceived lack of preparation or respect for the athletes, particularly given Sabalenka's status as the tournament's number one seed and a dominant force in women's tennis.
ESPN's Tennis Shake-Up Continues
The controversy arrives amid a period of significant change for ESPN's tennis coverage. Just before the Australian Open, the network parted ways with longtime commentators Brad Gilbert and Pam Shriver. Linda Schulz, ESPN's Vice President of Production, outlined a new direction, saying, "We're excited about our Australian Open talent lineup. The goal was to combine strong storytelling with trusted voices."
The network highlighted the addition of host Malika Andrews and analyst Christopher Eubanks, alongside the return of Caroline Wozniacki, to provide fresh perspectives. Evert, who has been with ESPN since 2011, was not mentioned as part of the recent overhaul but now finds herself at the center of a different kind of spotlight.
Job Security or Jeopardy?
Despite the vocal outcry from a segment of the audience, sources indicate Evert is not currently in immediate danger of losing her role. Her legacy as an 18-time Grand Slam champion and her long tenure with the network provide a substantial buffer. However, the incident has undeniably fueled a debate about performance standards and accountability in sports broadcasting.
With the tennis calendar rolling on toward the French Open and Wimbledon, which begins on June 29, all eyes will be on ESPN. The network must decide whether to ride out the storm or consider further adjustments to its on-air team in response to the growing discontent. For now, a simple case of mistaken identity has served up a major controversy that shows no signs of a quick resolution.
