During the French Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, commentator Chris Evert faced backlash for her repetitive remarks throughout the broadcast. It didn’t even take the whole match for the fans to step forward with frustrated reactions to her commentary.
Fans Lash Out at Chris Evert Over Her Commentary Session at Roland Garros
While Sabalenka battled against Coco Gauff for her fourth major title on court Philippe Chatrier, fans divided their focus towards Chris Evert’s commentary. Taking to social media platform X, numerous spectators vented out frustration about her comments on each of the points that fell during the high-stakes match.
A fan, despite admitting to the fact that he admires Evert, extended his urge for Evert not to interrupt between every action.
“Can someone please tell Chris Evert ( who I admire) that she doesn’t need to make remarks about every shot. We play tennis and we have eyes..” he wrote.
Can someone please tell Chris Evert ( who I admire) that she doesn’t need to make remarks about every shot.
We play tennis and we have eyes..— ken john (@kenjohn54148265) June 7, 2025
Adding to the controversy, another fan wrote:
“Someone tell Chris Evert to stop speaking constantly. Unbelievable. #RolandGarros.”
A spectator expressed frustration over the authorities for featuring Evert in almost every major final commentary.
“The fact they bring Chris Evert back for the final every year just to say look at that after every good point is embarrassing,” he wrote.
The fact they bring Chris Evert back for the final every year just to say look at that after every good point is embarrassing.
— 10-8 (@108InThe5th) June 7, 2025
According to a fan, Evert’s controversy appeared to be on a biased note.
“Just a quick reminder — this is a UK channel, not a US one. The Sabalenka vs Gauff final deserves impartial commentary. It’s really noticeable, especially with Chris Evert and co. Please keep it balanced. Thanks,” he wrote.
just a quick reminder — this is a UK channel, not a US one. The Sabalenka vs Gauff final deserves impartial commentary. It’s really noticeable, especially with Chris Evert and co. Please keep it balanced. Thanks.
— JBAZ (@JIBAZ78) June 7, 2025
A spectator was rather happy to suggest an alternative for Evert.
“I’m sorry but Chris Evert is not a good commentator. Might go so far to say i’d prefer McEnroe,” he commented.
I’m sorry but Chris Evert is not a good commentator. Might go so far to say i’d prefer McEnroe 😦
— Charlie (@charlinho_123) June 7, 2025
This wasn’t the first time spectators gathered around to extend hate on the 70-year-old’s commentary session. Similar events were noted at the US Open 2024, where Jessica Pegula competed against Sabalenka.
When Chris Evert Had to Extend an Apology for Being Accused of Making Comments “Based on Gender”
It was during the 2024 US Open when the accusations from fans made Chris Evert step forward to extend an apology. During one of Karolina Muchova’s matches, the 18-time Grand Slam champion mentioned that she ‘plays like a guy’, to which fans lashed out at full capacity.
“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,” Evert said, as reported by Express.co.uk.
Players, including Ons Jabeur and Nick Kyrgios, stepped into the controversy, defending Muchova against the gender specific comments. With this, Evert had to extend an apology towards the Czech player.
While the controversy doesn’t seem to be big enough this time around, fans’ comments made it clear that they weren’t impressed with the 18-time Grand Slam champion’s exposition.
MORE: Chris Evert Confers the Biggest Honor on Serena Williams but Excludes Herself from the List
At first I thought it was me. I agree with Ken John! While I have a lot of respect for Chris Evert, she was quite annoying during the Guaff vs. Sabalenka match, commenting on every single shot that was played. Millions of people were watching and want to watch with peace and pleasure. It is important to hear objective commentary at a sports event but one does not have to comment on every single shot.
At least she’s not Doris burke
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All announcers are annoying period.
I don’t understand why people are upset when she is admiring Coco game. She was playing fantastic. What bias? She is an American.Naturally she will admire Coco when she is playing so good.IfCoco was rude as Sabalenka, these people will be all over her.Be American and support your player.
Chris is great. She deserves to be there. She is women’s tennis and surely knows a lot. Chris, good job. Let the haters hate. We love you 💖 From a loving Black woman, who watches a lot of tennis. McEnroe fine, I like him. I watched him. Let’s be less opinionated. Its not cancer folks.