ESPN analyst Chris Evert went viral for the wrong reasons during this Saturday’s coverage of the Australian Open.
Elena Rybakina claimed her second Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the Australian Open final. It was an impressive victory from the world No. 5, especially considering she was trailing 3-0 in the third set.
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“It’s an incredible achievement. Super happy and proud. It was a really tough battle. I didn’t expect to turn it around. Got some opportunities. Aryna is a very tough opponent but I’m super happy this time I’m holding the trophy,” Rybakina told reporters. “Last time I was close but Aryna played really well that match. She stepped in, she went for her shots, she was serving really well. She was even risking a little bit because the 2nd serve was going as the first. I knew even today if I get a chance to lead I will need to try some risky shots and just go for it. Not wait for any mistakes or even get to the long rallies. It’s great and it’s amazing to hold this trophy this time.”
After Rybakina secured her first Australian Open title, Evert broke down the match with ESPN’s Malika Andrews. Unfortunately, she made a brutal mistake while talking about Sabalenka.
© Louis Walker III/Special to the Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK.
(© Louis Walker III/Special to the Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK.)
Believe it or not, Evert botched Sabalenka’s name while providing her analysis.
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“But listen, Ariana, Aryna. Ariana Grande,” Evert said. “Aryna Sabalenka is used to having every match on her racket. She finally came up against an opponent who plays the same way. She didn’t have any control over the way Rybakina played. Rybakina played so well at times. She had one little letdown, but she never gave up belief. At the end of the day, she was the more solid player.”
Unsurprisingly, fans ripped Evert for her Ariana Grande mixup.
“Did Chris Evert really call Aryna Sabalenka, Ariana Grande” one fan wrote on X.
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“She and Martina should never have a mic in front of them again,” a second fan commented.
“She mispronounced Aryna and then tried to cover it up in a bizarre way,” another fan said.
ESPN has made notable changes to its tennis coverage.
Prior to the start of the 2026 Australian Open, ESPN moved on from longtime broadcasters Brad Gilbert and Pam Shriver.
“We’re excited about our Australian Open 2026 talent lineup,” said Linda Schulz, the vice president of production at ESPN. “The goal was to combine strong storytelling with trusted voices. We are especially thrilled to welcome longtime tennis fan and accomplished host, Malika Andrews. With the addition of Andrews and Eubanks, and the return of Wozniacki, our coverage will provide a vast perspective on the sport of tennis.”
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Evert, who has been with ESPN since 2011, isn’t in jeopardy of losing her broadcasting gig at the moment.
That being said, ESPN could make more changes to its crew by the time the Wimbledon Championships begin on June 29.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Jan 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the Tennis section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
