By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, August 31, 2024
Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty for ITF Davis Cup
NEW YORK –Karolina Muchova is inspired by male gamers but does not play the male game.
US Open 2023 semifinalist Muchova was fired Anastasia Potapova 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the fourth round of her seventh US Open Grand Slam.
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Muchova was then asked about the Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Chrissie Evert comparing her style in all areas to a man’s game. Evert’s comment drew criticism from the two-time Wimbledo finalist Our Jabeur.
I apologize if I offended you both, certainly not my intention. Strength, mobility, and athleticism have improved so much, and many of the women I interview have male idols they aspire to like. Again, maybe my delivery could have been better, so sorry! https://t.co/mkCabOQ06y
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) August 30, 2024
The 18-time Grand Slam champion apologized on social media, saying “if I offended you both, that’s certainly not my intention.”
The former French Open finalist said she is motivated by both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, but does not compare her game to theirs.
“I don’t think I play like a man,” Muchova told the media. I don’t know what to say about that. I don’t really know what she said. But yes, I definitely got some inspiration from let’s mention Roger Federer or Djokovic.
“I like to follow what they do. Then it inspires me. I don’t think I play that way.”
Next up for Muchova is a fourth-round meeting with Roland Garros and Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini.
