American tennis legend Chris Evert sparked controversy when she referenced Coco Gauff while visibly moved at ESPN’s tribute to her 1975 US Open triumph. Several fans quickly voiced their disapproval, criticizing the mention as unnecessary and questioning why Gauff had been brought up.
What Was the Fans’ Response to Chris Evert’s Coco Gauff Reference on US Open Tribute?
Gauff has struggled to find her rhythm since her French Open triumph in June. Moreover, struggles with the serves and mounting emotions overwhelmed her during her US Open second-round win over Donna Vekic, with the match even triggering a panic attack.
Coco Gauff spoke through tears after beating Vekic at US Open
“You guys bring me so much joy.”
*crowd goes wild*
“I’m doing this for myself but also for you. No matter how tough it gets inside, you can do it” 🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 29, 2025
Gauff fought her way to the fourth round but succumbed to Naomi Osaka, exiting the tournament in straight sets as the Japanese star asserted her dominance.
Meanwhile, on the same day, ESPN also celebrated Chris Evert with a moving tribute to the 50th anniversary of her 1975 US Open win over Evonne Goolagong.
Moreover, the 18-time Grand Slam champion was also moved by tributes from legends such as Billie Jean King and Patrick McEnroe. Overcome with emotion, she couldn’t hold back her feelings and said:
“I feel like Coco Gauff right now. I’m sorry.”
The comment, however, ignited an online backlash, with numerous fans disapproving of Evert’s remarks and condemning the reported reference to Gauff.
“it was extremely unnecessary for her to say,” one fan wrote on X.
it was extremely unnecessary for her to say
— Shay🫧 (@shayla_zhane) September 1, 2025
“Chris Evert clearly never heard the adage that if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Given her track record, I’m hardly surprised,” another fan expressed.
“Tearful US Open legend Chris Evert jokes she ‘feels like Coco Gauff’ after emotional tribute – Daily Mail,” another said.
Echoing the sentiments of others, a fan remarked:
“Don’t understand why Chris Evert needed to bring up Coco Gauff’s tears just now. weird and unnecessary,” they commented.
“Chris Evert making a crying joke about Coco just after her tough loss?!! 😡😡,” another chimed in.
A fan shared a GIF to express her thoughts and wrote:
“Chris Evert saying she feels like Coco rn after the 50th anniversary clip.”
chris evert saying she feels like coco rn after the 50th anniversary clip pic.twitter.com/LKwHXyyKWz
— Purple_(purpl’s version) (@PurpI_stan) September 1, 2025
A fan accused the 18-time Major champion of taking a shot at Gauff, writing:
“Espn did a whole tribute to chris evert and at the end the first thing she did was take a shot at Coco Gauff.”
Gauff’s Struggles With Serves Were Visible During US Open Defeat to Naomi Osaka
Despite holding a 3–2 edge in their head-to-head, Gauff found herself outmatched in the fourth round of the US Open as Osaka raised her game to a different level in front of a roaring Arthur Ashe crowd. Blending power with precision, Osaka controlled the contest, winning two-thirds of the long rallies and converting four break-point opportunities.
The pressure, however, appeared to overwhelm Gauff as she struggled to withstand Osaka’s peak level. Her forehand and serve unraveled, costing her dearly with five double faults and 20 unforced errors. Osaka eventually won the match 6-2, 6-2, dashing hopes of the top-seeded home favorite.
Gauff must now shift her focus to the remainder of the season, working to rediscover the consistency that she aims to recover since Roland Garros. For Osaka, the challenge only intensifies as she prepares to face 11th seed Karolina Muchova in the last eight.
