CHRIS EVERT broke down in tears live on ESPN during the coverage of the US Open.
The US tennis legend was left emotional after the broadcaster celebrated the 50th anniversary of her maiden US Open title.
Chris Evert was emotional after being shown a tribute to her[/caption]
She made a joke that she was like Coco Gauff for crying[/caption]
Gauff has cried during her run at the US Open[/caption]
Evert, 70, beat Australian ace Evonne Goolagong back in 1975 at the previous venue in Forrest Hills, Queens.
She was shown a video of her illustrious career, which included the likes of Billie Jean King and Patrick McEnroe hailing her achievements.
Once it came to an end, she could not hold back the tears any longer.
Footage showed the now-commentator having to wipe away a tear with a tissue.
She said: “I feel like Coco Gauff right now,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry.”
The comment came just hours after Coco Gauff was dumped out of the US Open by Naomi Osaka in the round of 16.
The Japanese star completed a comprehensive two-set win over the American.
Guaff, 21, was left emotional after the defeat and not for the first time at the tournament.
As a result, some fans were not keen on Evert’s joke about Guaff.
One posted: “ESPN did a whole tribute to Chris Evert and at the end the first thing she did was take a shot at Coco Gauff.”
A second wrote: “I don’t understand why Chris Evert needed to bring up Coco Gauff’s tears just now. weird and unnecessary.”
A third commented: “Chris Evert making a crying joke about Coco just after her tough loss?”
John McEnroe did praise Evert after the video as he revealed how she inspired him to hit the court himself.
He even joked that he wanted to marry her but was beaten to the punch by rival Jimmy Connors.
How to watch the 2025 US Open
THE tennis world has descended upon New York City for the fourth and final slam of the year.
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows will have the eyes of the sporting universe upon it.
The 2025 US Open takes place from Sunday 24 August to Sunday 7 September.
And there is a standalone mixed-double competition as well as qualifying taking place in the week beforehand.
ESPN is showing every moment live for fans in the United States, and you can sign up below.
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Their relationship ended in the mid-1970s before they could tie the knot.
He said: “The attention you brought to the sport made me want to be a tennis player and thankfully I became one.
“And finally, like millions of other young boys, I wanted to marry you, I admit it.
“Then you got engaged to Jimmy Connors.
“I hated that. If I ever play that guy, going to beat his ass. Chrissie, I love you, congrats. Glad I can call you a friend.”
