The women’s draw at Wimbledon has been notably unpredictable in recent years, and Amanda Anisimova’s dominant win over top seed Aryna Sabalenka in Thursday’s semifinal only reinforced that trend. Anisimova’s gritty performance might have left the tennis world in awe, but several fans didn’t hesitate to criticize American legend Chris Evert’s style of commentary during the match.
Chris Evert’s Commentary During Anisimova-Sabalenka Wimbledon Clash Leaves the Fans Up in Arms
Despite retiring from professional tennis nearly 36 years ago, Evert has stayed connected to the sport through commentary and is currently part of ESPN’s Wimbledon coverage team. That included covering the semifinal clash between Sabalenka and Anisimova.
However, the 18-time Grand Slam champion’s commentary didn’t sit well with fans. One viewer called out Evert for contradicting her earlier remarks about Anisimova during the broadcast.
“Chris Evert is terrible. First it was Anisimova doesn’t have the endurance to last. Now Anisimova has worked hard in the off-season and it shows. Shut up,” they wrote.
Chris Evert is terrible. First it was Anisimova doesn’t have the endurance to last. Now Anisimova has worked hard in the off-season and it shows. Shut up. @espn @ChrissieEvert
— Kilo (@KiloKruger) July 10, 2025
Another fan mocked Evert’s advice to Anisimova during commentary, implying it was obvious and unhelpful.
“Chris Evert giving excellent advice to Anisimova: “Don’t make unforced errors.” If only Amanda would have thought of that! Genius!” a fan said.
However, a surge of fan criticism over her commentary was still to come. One fan wrote:
“My God get Chris Evert off the air. She’s fangirling and s1mping so hard for Sabalenka, it’s sad.”
“Covering my ears from Chris Evert’s non-stop verbal assault. Good grief, let it breathe just once in a while. Where have you gone Mary Carillo?” another asked.
Covering my ears from Chris Evert’s non-stop verbal assault. Good grief, let it breathe just once in a while. Where have you gone Mary Carillo?
— Rich Marotta (@boxingrich) July 10, 2025
“Sabalenka’s Pterodactyl screams on every stroke are absolutely pathetic and even more annoying than having to listen to Chris Evert’s commentary! She should be fined by the WTA,” a fan chimed in.
A user sarcastically wrote:
“I’m just not gonna talk anymore” -Chris Evert. Please do us all the pleasure.”
“I’m just not gonna talk anymore” -Chris Evert
Please do us all the pleasure.
— Justin (@JustinOh4_) July 10, 2025
“Love Chris Evert, but the mid-point commentary at Wimbledon is driving me up the wall. Let us watch the point!!,” one commented.
Another fan implied they muted the TV not because of Sabalenka’s grunting, but due to Evert’s commentary.
“I have to mute the tv, not for Sabalenka’s grunting and shrieking but for Chris Evert’s cringeworthy commentary. She is so awful. #Wimbledon,” they said.
Amanda Anisimova Created History by Reaching Her First Grand Slam Final at Wimbledon
The 2025 Wimbledon Championships have been nothing short of a fairytale for Anisimova, and her appearance in Saturday’s final affirms that. The 13th-seeded American looked composed from the outset against Sabalenka, taking the opening set 6-4.
Sabalenka fought hard to close the gap to 5-4, but Anisimova kept her composure and wrapped up the deciding set 6-4 to secure a spot in her first Grand Slam final.
It’s also worth noting that Anisimova extended her head-to-head lead over the Belarusian to 6-3. Now, she stands just one win away from capturing her first Grand Slam title, as she awaits the winner of the semifinal between Iga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic.
