Chris Evert calling Karolina Muchova a ‘guy’ doesn’t sit well with Ons Jabeur

Ons Jabeur came to Karolina Muchova's defense following Chris Evert's comments and called for an end to gender-based stereotypes.

Chris Evert calling Karolina Muchova a ‘guy’ doesn’t sit well with Ons Jabeur

(Left to Right) Ons Jabeur, Karolia Muchova, Chris Evert (Images via Imago, US Open)

Czech tennis player Karolina Muchova put on a show against two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka in the second round at the 2024 US Open. The 28-year-old won 6-3, 7-6(5) and earned widespread praise for her performance. Among many who spoke highly of her effort was American tennis legend Chris Evert, whose choice of words, however, got her into trouble.

Evert compared Muchova’s style to that of the men while lauding her for her gameplay. Her statement went viral on social media and Ons Jabeur was quick to react, defending Muchova and calling for gender-based stereotypes to end.

Naomi Osaka vs. Karolina Muchova Highlights | 2024 US Open Round 2 
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?
Ons Jabeur said on X

Fans praised Jabeur for criticizing Evert and standing up for her fellow athletes. This eventually prompted the former World No. 1 to respond to the Tunisian’s statement and apologize for her choice of words.

FS Video
RELATED
Elena Rybakina’s former coach in hot water following WTA ban reports just hours after her US Open withdrawal
Elena Rybakina

Chris Evert apologizes to Ons Jabeur and Karolina Muchova

After receiving flak for her comments about Karolina Muchova, Chris Evert apologized for her statement. After Ons Jabeur‘s social media post went viral, Evert said that she never intended to offend anyone.

Chris-Evert
Chris Evert (Image via Imago)

Evert also explained that her comparison of Muchova to the men was because many women athletes aspire to play like their male counterparts and consider them as idols. However, she could’ve expressed her views in a better way.

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!
Chris Evert said on X

Notably, Evert has been facing criticism for her commentary during the US Open. While this comment about Muchova enraged Jabeur, her comments on Naomi Osaka’s US Open outfit and her claims that the Japanese ace’s struggles might be because she was ‘too happy’ in life right now.

In case you missed!