What happens when two tennis legends get into a virtual squabble? Well, and not just over any debacle, but over the question concerning the future of the ATP! That is exactly what the tennis community found answers to on Twitter today. Chris Evert and Patrick Mouragatlou got into a big misunderstanding this evening. While both were on the same side of an argument, Mouragatlou assumed Chris was debating him.
A fan page by the username @ATP22 tweeted their views regarding the men’s tennis scene. They are of the opinion that the circuit is in bad shape right now. Both Evert and Mouratoglou, however, are of a different opinion. They believe that men’s tennis is shaping up to be something different from the era of the ‘Big Three’.
Chris Evert and Patrick Mouratoglou are on the same page
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@ATP22 posted their comments saying, “Federer retired, Nadal struggling with injuries, declining viewership and a polarizing player at the top of the game, men’s tennis isn’t in a great spot right now. Aside from a few the next gen brat pack aren’t that appealing either.”
This comment voices out the doubts that many tennis fans are having. The question of who’s next in men’s tennis has come into play with the retirement of Federer and doubts over Nadal’s future. However, after the promising performances of the younger generation at the Australian Open 2023, Mouratoglou replied to this tweet.
Patrick sides with the young talents and thinks that they need some time to showcase their full potential. “Give the next Gen some time. The big 3 haven’t been loved from day 1,” he says.
Give the next Gen some time. The big 3 haven’t been loved from day 1. https://t.co/hm3Bx3OlNq
— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) February 5, 2023
Soon, the post reached Chris Evert, who took it upon herself to answer the tweet. Her views resonate with Mouratoglou’s as she says, “Wow, that’s a little negative!”. She proceeds to side with the ATP’s young icons, “Think more positive; they’re rebuilding, lots of talent out there, Americans doing great, Novak priming to be the greatest of all time…”
Wow, that’s a little negative! Think more positive; they’re rebuilding, lots of talent out there, Americans doing great, Novak priming to be the greatest of all time…🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️ https://t.co/RElM11eW7f
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) February 5, 2023
Of course, the American players’ brilliant performance right from the beginning of the 2023 season doesn’t need retelling. However, just after she posted this comment, Mouratoglou rebutted Chrissie, who is actually on his side. He asked, “What is negative?”
What is negative ? Some people say that the young ones are not loved as much as the big 3. I believe they need time to get known and appreciated as much as the older ones that people have learned to like throughout the years. https://t.co/A7m8kscctn
— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) February 5, 2023
Mouratoglou assumed that the ‘Ice Maiden’ had replied to his argument and tried to contradict him. He continued, “Some people say that the young ones are not loved as much as the big 3. I believe they need time to get known and appreciated as much as the older ones that people have learned to like throughout the years.”
Chris was quick to resolve the conflict with a necessary explanation, “No, not your tweet @pmouratoglou !! This tweet! You are right on!”
No, not your tweet @pmouratoglou !! This tweet! You are right on! https://t.co/dStRTZEblE
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) February 5, 2023
Fans side with Mouratoglou after quite some time
Fans too, have been quick to take sides in this debate. While some have judged Chrissie for not reading Mouratoglou’s comment before posting her own, others have been more focused on the main tweet.
Completely agree-not really sure what Chrissie is on about. I already love the nextGen….whenever Tsitsipas/zverev/medvedev/thiem/Alcaraz/rune etc play each other it’s usually a goodie! And love the attitude and free flowing tennis of Tsitsipas. The future of tennis is bright!
— Brendon Kassel (@BrendonKassel) February 5, 2023
You didn’t say anything wrong…. She didn’t read what you said and just spoke out of her own projection of the issue.
— BIDI BIDI BUM BUM (@layla_job) February 6, 2023
How is what Patrick said negative at all? He clearly said give the young talent some time, even the now loved Novak needed some, so did Rafael. There is no longer 3 though sorry.
— Casey Lehr (@WizzWitt) February 5, 2023
Fans have also called Novak the absolute GOAT after his 10th AO title.
The paradox of Novak Djokovic.The only man in history who is bidding all the time to become something,in this case, the GOAT.If you look into to past, future, present, doesn't matter. Is he holding all the records,doesn't matter.He is by far the GOAT,but the race is just starting
— Igor Markovic (@IgorMarkovic_) February 5, 2023
Novak is already the Greatest of all time 🐐🐐. He holds all the records 👑👑
— Lucas Benítez (@Lucas51192) February 5, 2023
Fans have also talked about the younger talents who stole the show in the first grand slam of the season.
Alcaraz, Rune, Korda, Tiafoe… even Medvedev, Tsitipas, etc…. there's a long list of young men players we're going love watching for a long time.
— Kerry Cunningham (@kf_cunningham) February 5, 2023
At the same time, fans also sided with the main tweet and said that the future looks a little bleak.
As a lifelong fan, I have to admit i am struggling to figure out who to root for these days. I used to watch tennis all day, every day no matter what tournament it was. But I didn’t see most of the AO this year (thanks, espn) and I really didn’t miss it, which is unheard of 4 me.
— Pamela (@Pambear000) February 5, 2023
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@pmouratoglou I agree with Chrissie. However, we have been waiting on Next Gen for a loooong time. This is probably the third next gen generation that finally is breaking through. It took 10 plus years
— Axel Clauberg (@axelclauberg) February 5, 2023
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Although Chris and Patrick have had disagreements in the past, this time, it was a totally different story. However, it remains to be seen who emerges as the GOAT after the ‘Big Three’. Who are you rooting for among the current stars in the ATP Tour?
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