Karolina Muchova responded to Chris Evert's claims that she 'plays like a guy' after yet another win at the 2024 US Open.
Muchova is undoubtedly one of the most talented players on the WTA Tour. However, if there is one thing she needs to be incredibly successful, it's good health.
The Czech player almost always seems to be dealing with some sort of physical issue, which halted her progress also after her great 2023 season, forcing her to miss out on her maiden WTA Finals participation.
Now, the 28-year-old player is back on the courts, and she has been demonstrating her qualities at the 2024 US Open, breezing past one opponent after another.
She outplayed Katie Volynets, eliminated Naomi Osaka, and also bested Anastasia Potapova, all without losing a set, to reach the second week of the last major tournament of the season.
Unfortunately for her, in recent days, the spotlight surrounding her hasn't been on her results but instead on a few remarks made by Chris Evert when commentating on her match. The former American great stated that Muchova played 'like a guy.'
"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."
Those comments were immediately noticed by another WTA player, Ons Jabeur, who didn't like the fact that Muchova was compared to a man, stating that a player's game shouldn't be stereotyped based on their gender.
"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?"
Evert noticed the Tunisian's response and immediately clarified that she didn't have any bad intentions, just incorrectly sent out the message that she wanted to share when describing the Czech player's game.
"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!"
Jabeur accepted the apology from Evert, calling for support among fellow female players, current or retired.
"I appreciate your answer Chrissie. So many great women out there playing unbelievable tennis. We are in need of supporting each other."
In her post-match press conference, Muchova was also asked about the comment, saying she didn't think she played like a man, but also stating that growing up, she was inspired by male players. The Czech player also wasn't very keen on talking a lot about the topic.
"I don't think I play like a man. I don't know what to say about that. I don't know exactly what Evert said, but obviously I have been inspired by players like Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic for my game and I like to follow what they do. Still, I was not prepared to answer this question."