The US Open’s on-court interviews have drawn attention for the wrong reasons this week. Several factual errors during post-match interviews with top players, including Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva, have sparked criticism from fans, with questions raised about the on-court interviewers’ knowledge.
US Open Fans Furious Over Repeated On-Court Interview Errors Involving Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva
After Rybakina’s third-round win, an interview turned into an awkward correction of the player’s career record. The interviewer incorrectly told the World No. 2 that it was her first time reaching the US Open fourth round.
“You’re a two-time Grand Slam champion at Wimbledon at the Australian Open,” the interviewer said. “But this now is your first time in the fourth round of the US Open. So listen, firstly, congratulations for that, and making new ground must feel great.”
Rybakina looked confused by the claim and questioned whether it was really her first fourth-round appearance. “Is it the first one? I’m not sure. What was it last year?” she asked, correctly pointing to her run to the Round of 16 in 2025.
The interviewer then realized the mistake and corrected it live. “I’m going to correct myself. It’s your second time in the fourth round. Apologies for that.”
It was not the only instance. During the on-court interview with Andreeva, the interviewer asked who she would prefer to play in the next round, Rybakina or Naomi Osaka. In reality, Andreeva will face the winner of the match between Iva Jovic and Coco Gauff. Andreeva quickly corrected the interviewer during the exchange.
“I don’t know. They’re (Rybakina and Osaka) both big hitters, but I don’t know if I’ll play them. I’m pretty sure I play the winner of Jovic and Gauff. Yeah, I don’t know what you’re saying,” said the current French Open champion.
The interviewer then corrected course and asked Andreeva whether she would watch the Jovic-Gauff match.
“Well then, let me ask you this. Jovic or Gauff, will you watch tonight? The rest of us could not be more interested in this matchup.”
🎤: Who do you prefer playing next?
Mirra: Yes 😂 pic.twitter.com/kOhqTHklWW— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2026
And fans didn’t fail to take notice of the repeated mistakes.
“These journalists keep messing up infos, it’s embarrassing,” one X user wrote. Another called for better preparation at the Grand Slam, commenting, “These announcers should at least take a look at the draw before asking players these questions.”
these journalists keep messing up infos it’s embarrassing https://t.co/zfGldHuspk
— 30 x 35 (@stephdaughteraz) September 7, 2026
We often see familiar faces such as former tennis pros Sloane Stephens and Rennae Stubbs conducting on-court interviews. However, at this year’s US Open, the tournament appears to be using a different crew of interviewers.
“When interviewers from the media don’t have a basic knowledge of the draw at a grand slam tournament,” one frustrated fan wrote. Another criticized the interviewers, “@usopen What incompetence same with Rybakina interview! Shame!”
When interviewers from the media don’t have a basic knowledge of the draw at a grand slam tournament. 🤔 https://t.co/LPHWjs0Aut
— Lawman (@Lawman027) September 7, 2026
MORE: Jessica Pegula Claps Back at ‘Mommy’ Remark After Fan Mentions Coco Gauff, Iva Jovic at US Open
Some fans can’t believe they are mistakes. “Nah this is happening too many times, it’s gotta be on purpose atp,” one added.
After her win over Anastasia Potapova, Andreeva will face the winner of the Gauff vs. Jovic match. Meanwhile, the Australian Open champion, if she beats Osaka in the fourth round, will face Qinwen Zheng, who knocked out six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek.
