In a moment of on-air confusion that captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide, American tennis icon Chris Evert made a notable slip of the tongue during her commentary for the Australian Open women's final. While discussing the match between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, Evert inadvertently referred to the Belarusian finalist as global pop sensation Ariana Grande, creating an amusing yet awkward broadcast moment.
The Grand Slam Final Unfolds
Elena Rybakina secured her second career Grand Slam title with a hard-fought victory over top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne Park on Saturday. The Kazakhstani player, who was born in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan, displayed remarkable composure to claim a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win in a thrilling three-set encounter that lasted over two hours.
Rybakina's triumph marked a significant comeback story after what had been a challenging start to 2025, which included the suspension of her coach. The 26-year-old athlete finished the previous year strongly with a title at the WTA Finals in November, and she has now begun the new season with a major championship victory that solidifies her position among tennis's elite.
Evert's Commentary Takes an Unexpected Turn
During the broadcast, Chris Evert began discussing Rybakina's typically reserved on-court demeanor, noting how the player has faced criticism for not showing more emotion during matches. "The first time she won a major at Wimbledon, it was very businesslike and there was really no emotion," Evert observed. "She really looks like she was so happy, so joyful, and allowed herself to have some emotions there and it was really nice to see."
However, the commentary took an unexpected turn when Evert struggled to pronounce Sabalenka's name correctly. "But listen, Ariana, Aryna, Ariana Grande," Evert said, stumbling over her words before recovering to continue her analysis. "Aryna Sabalenka is used to having every match on her racket," she continued. "And she finally came up against an opponent who plays the same way."
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The broadcasting gaffe did not go unnoticed by viewers, with many taking to social media to share their reactions. One tennis fan questioned, "Did Chris Evert really call Aryna Sabalenka, Ariana Grande?" while another clarified, "No, she was kidding after she mispronounced Aryna's first name." A third observer added, "Oh, I thought it was gonna be a total slip-up. That was a pretty funny little bit of self-deprecation."
The moment highlighted how easily names can be confused in live broadcasting, particularly when commentators are discussing international athletes with names that might sound similar to those of famous celebrities to English-speaking audiences.
The Champion's Perspective
Elena Rybakina's victory was sealed with a decisive ace that capped a remarkable third-set comeback against her regular rival. Sabalenka had beaten Rybakina in the Australian Open final back in 2023, making this victory particularly sweet for the Kazakhstani player.
"The heart rate was definitely beating too fast. Even maybe (my) face didn't show, but inside it was a lot of emotions," Rybakina revealed about her calm and clinical finish. She acknowledged learning from previous experiences, having admitted to getting tight during her semifinal match against Jessica Pegula, where she needed almost thirty minutes from her first match point to secure victory.
Sabalenka's Post-Match Reflections
Aryna Sabalenka, who had won the Australian Open in both 2023 and 2024, expressed disappointment after the match while acknowledging her opponent's superior performance in crucial moments. "I was 3-0 [in the third set]. I lost my focus and it was 3-4," she explained. "She did a better job in handling that pressure moment, that's for sure."
The Belarusian player suggested she might have approached her service game differently, stating, "Maybe I should have tried to be more aggressive on my serve, knowing that I have a break and put pressure on her." She added, "But she played incredible. She made some winners. I made couple of unforced errors."
Sabalenka concluded with evident regret about the match's turning point: "Of course, I have regrets … you lead 3-0 and then it felt like in few seconds it was 3-4 and I was down a break. So it was very fast. Great tennis from her. Maybe not so smart for me."
A Quiet Celebration for a Major Achievement
Rybakina's celebration after her victory mirrored her typically understated approach to the game. Observers noted a small fist pump, a quick embrace with her team, a respectful nod to the umpire, and a modest wave to the crowd—a low-key reaction that contrasted with the magnitude of her achievement in winning one of tennis's most prestigious tournaments.
The Australian Open final provided not only high-quality tennis but also an unexpected moment of levity thanks to Chris Evert's broadcasting slip, creating a memorable chapter in the tournament's history that will likely be discussed by tennis enthusiasts for some time to come.
