By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, August 31, 2024
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty for ITF Davis Cup
NEW YORK—Karolina Muchova is inspired by male players, but doesn’t play a man’s game.
The 2023 US Open semifinalist Muchova dismissed Anastasia Potapova 6-4, 6-2 to advance to her seventh Grand Slam fourth round at the US Open.
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Afterward, Muchova was asked about Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Chrissie Evert comparing her all-court style to a man’s game. Evert’s comment drew criticism from two-time Wimbledo finalist Ons Jabeur.
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! 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, certainly not my intention.”
The former French Open finalist said she’s been motivated by both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer but doesn’t 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 yeah, obviously I took some inspiration from let’s name Roger Federer or Djokovic.
“I like to follow what they do. Then it kind of 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.
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