"My delivery could've been better" - Chris Evert issues apology after being chastised by Ons Jabeur for comparing Karolina Muchova to male players

Chris Evert recently issued an apology after facing criticism from Ons Jabeur for comparing Karolina Muchova to male players at the 2024 US Open. Evert made these comments during Muchova's second-round match at the New York Slam.

Before competing at Flushing Meadows, Muchova had only participated in one hard court tournament, the 2024 Cincinnati Open. She defeated Dayana Yastremska in the opening round but was eliminated by eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula in the second round.

Karolina Muchova kicked off her campaign at the 2024 US Open by defeating Katie Volynets 6-3, 7-5 in the first round. She then secured a victory over two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka with a score of 6-3, 7-6(5) to advance to the third round.

However, what caught the attention of the people watching the Muchova's second round match against Osaka on ESPN was 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert, who is a commentator for the sports channel for the New York Slam, comparing the Czech to a male player.

Evert suggested that the former World No.8 played very similarly to male players, emulating their bigger serves, volleys, and superior movements.

This comparison did not sit well with Ons Jabeur, who took to social media to defend Muchova's talent, emphasizing that she did not need to be compared to male players to excel.

"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?" Jabeur posted on X (formerly Twitter).

In response to Jabeur's criticism, Chris Evert issued an apology on social media to both the Tunisian and Muchova. She acknowledged that many female players have male role models they look up to, leading her to draw the comparison .

Evert admitted that her comments could have been delivered more thoughtfully and expressed regret for any offense caused.

"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!" the former World No. 1 wrote.

Karolina Muchova on trying to emulate Roger Federer's playing style & technique: "I try to put it in my game, enjoy playing like this"

Karolina Muchova [Source: Getty]

While talking at the post match on-court interview following her win over Naomi Osaka in the second round of the 2024 US Open, Karolina Muchova revealed that she drew inspiration from her childhood hero, Roger Federer for the match.

Muchova revealed that she incorporated elements of Federer's playing style into her match against Osaka which ultimately contributed to her success .

“Yeah for sure. I watched him... 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,” Muchova said .

Looking ahead, Karolina Muchova will go up against Anastasia Potapova in the third round of the US Open. The winner of this match will advance to face either fifth seed Jasmine Paolini or 30th seed Yulia Putintseva in the fourth round.