Mike Frey-Imagn Images

ESPN Announcers Criticized For Coco Gauff Commentary At US Open

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 12:09 AM ET

It wasn't easy, but Coco Gauff survived a three-set thriller against Ajla Tomljanovic this Tuesday night at the US Open.

Before the US Open officially started on Sunday, Gauff parted ways with coaches Matt Daly and J.C. Faurel. She also hired Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics coach who worked with three-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka. This decision was made after a series of disappointing results at Wimbledon, the National Bank Open and the Cincinnati Masters.

"I do know I needed to make a change - technical change - to it, and I don't want to waste time continuing doing the wrong things," Gauff said. "I know where I want to see my game in the future. I'm not going to waste time playing the way I don't want to play."

Gauff wasn't perfect on Tuesday against Tomljanovic. She had 10 double faults and was two games away from losing the match. However, she crossed the finish line and punched her ticket into the second round.

Aug 26, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Coco Gauff (USA) after a winner to Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) (not pictured) on day three of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

ESPN's commentary booth accused of being pro-Gauff.

Longtime announcer Chris Fowler and 18-time major champion Chris Evert were in the booth to call Gauff's match against Tomljanovic. While some people enjoyed their commentary, others found them to be incredibly one-sided.

Apparently, Fowler and Evert didn't give Tomljanovic nearly enough credit for fighting hard against Gauff.

"Please, PLEASE, ENOUGH with the Coco Gauff worship!

"Sorority sisters Chris Evert and Chris Fowler giggling about Gauff ready to move on while Tomljanovic was serving down 4-6, 5-6, 0-30. Tomljanovic won the set 7-6. Karma. Can’t stand these two announcing

"ESPN crew again focused on Coco’s serve and coaching change all night," a third fan pointed out.

Coco Gauff is on to the next round of the US Open pic.twitter.com/CQOK2J8HJB
— ESPN (@espn) August 27, 2025

Gauff's path to another US Open title.

If Gauff wants to capture her second US Open title in the past three years, she'll need to fix her serving issues in a hurry. Next up on the schedule is a showdown with Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic.

Gauff is in the same quarter that features Marta Kostyuk, Karolina Muchova, Naomi Osaka and Peyton Stearns.

As of now, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are the only players with better odds than Gauff to win the US Open.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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