From Chris Evert getting criticized for Iga Swiatek-Coco Gauff remarks during commentary to Taylor Townsend slamming hecklers: 3 notable moments from US Open 2024 | Day 8
Day 8 of the 2024 US Open was packed with intense action and notable off-court drama. From Chris Evert facing backlash for her controversial commentary on Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff to Taylor Townsend shutting down hecklers after a hard-fought mixed doubles victory, the day was full of moments that captured the attention of tennis fans.
Chris Evert slammed for her remarks regarding Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek during commentary
Chris Evert has sparked controversy following her remarks about Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff at the 2024 US Open
World No. 1 Swiatek has been dominant in her run at the Flushing Meadows, advancing to the quarterfinals without dropping a set. The Pole defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 6-1 in the Round of 16 and will face sixth seed Jessica Pegula next. Meanwhile, defending champion Gauff exited the tournament, losing to compatriot Emma Navarro 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in the fourth round.Evert, who is a part of the ESPN broadcasting team, drew criticism for suggesting that Swiatek might feel more confident about her US Open title chances following Gauff’s loss and Elena Rybakina’s injury withdrawal. The comment raised eyebrows because Swiatek has an overwhelming 11-1 head-to-head record against Gauff, making Evert’s remark seem out of place.
Earlier, Evert had also faced accusations of bias towards Gauff during her commentary on the World No. 3’s fourth-round defeat.
Rafael Nadal has addressed the recent doping controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner, expressing his belief that the Italian player did not knowingly do anything wrong.
Reports surfaced last month revealing that Sinner had twice tested positive for the steroid Clostebol earlier this year. However, he avoided suspension following successful appeals, with the ITIA attributing the positive results to contamination caused by his physiotherapist. Despite being cleared, Sinner and his team have faced significant backlash, including accusations of favoritism.Nadal shared his perspective during an interview on the Spanish TV program El Hormiguero.
Top seed Jannik Sinner is currently participating in the US Open, where he cruised past Mackenzie McDonald, Alex Michelsen, Christopher O’Connell, and Tommy Paul to reach the last eight. The Italian will take on 2021 men’s singles champion Daniil Medvedev for a spot in the semifinals, where the winner will face either 25th seed Jack Draper or 10th seed Alex de Minaur.As for Nadal, he opted out of the ongoing US Open, citing a lack of preparedness. However, the Spanish tennis star is set to compete in the upcoming Laver Cup, scheduled for September 20-22.
Taylor Townsend silences hecklers following US Open mixed doubles QF win
Taylor Townsend confronted some hecklers in the crowd following her and mixed doubles partner Donald Young’s 6-7(3), 6-3, [10-8] win over Anna Danilina and Harri Heliovaara in the US Open quarterfinals.During an on-court interview after the match, Townsend criticized a group of fans cheering against the American duo.
Townsend’s singles run at the tournament ended in the second round with a 6-3, 7-5 loss to 26th seed Paula Badosa. However, she remains in contention in the women’s doubles event alongside partner Katerina Siniakova.The third-seeded pair, who recently won the Wimbledon women’s doubles title, have advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face eighth seeds Luisa Stefani and Demi Schuurs.
