Hi from New York! đź—˝
This week, Chris Evert’s comments about Karolina Muchova’s aggressive game style raised some eyebrows at Flushing Meadow.
Here’s what she said regarding Muchova’s 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) victory over Naomi Osaka in the second round.
“She plays like a guy. She wants to play like a guy. The guys have bigger serves than the women, they have better volleys for the most part, they move a little bit better,” Evert said.
Here’s Ons Jabeur’s reply on social media. “Muchova is an amazing, talented player. She doesn’t have to be a guy to have great serve, volley, or movement. Can we please stop stereotyping based on gender?”
So, let’s dig deeper into the specifics of Evert’s comments.
1: Do Men Have Really Bigger Serves Than Women?
Muchova’s fastest serve for the tournament is 112 mph (180km/h), tied for 30th fastest in the women’s draw. The only male player she was faster than in New York so far this tournament is Albert Ramos-Vinolas, whose fastest serve is 111 mph (179 km/h).
So far, the fastest women’s serve is 121 mph (195 km/h), struck by Paula Basdosa. That would tie for 104th fastest out of 128 players in the men’s draw.
So, Evert’s comment regarding Muchova’s serve speed is based more on “feel” than fact. I certainly agree with Evert that it “feels” like Muchova is more dominant than the majority of the field with her serve, but she is not close to being the fastest in the women’s draw. It’s most likely because of her ability to hit her spots and have full command of flat, kick and slice serves – as well as possessing solid serve technique.
Of the remaining players in the women’s draw, Muchova is only 7th best, with Service Games Won at 87% (26/30).
2: Muchova Serving & Volleying
Now, we are getting to the beating heart of Evert’s comments. Players in the men’s draw ALWAYS serve and volley more than in the women’s draw.
Muchova served and volleyed 23 times in her first three matches, representing 14% of her serve points. The next highest being only four percent.
Muchova has won 19/23 (83%) of her serve and volley points. The next highest is Ena Shibahara’s five serve and volley points. She only won two.
There is positively a massive gap in serve and volley prowess between Muchova and the rest of the field.
Let’s be clear about one thing. Evert would not be doing her job as a commentator if she didn’t highlight Muchova’s prowess serving and volleying compared to the other players in the women’s draw. Muchova employs an aggressive game style that has no comparison in the women’s draw. So, Evert drew a comparison to the men’s draw. No harm there at all.
3: Muchova Net PlayÂ
Muchova has been to the net 65 times in three matches, winning 49 points (75%). Only Sara Errani (68) has been to the net more. Muchova has excellent volley technique and is adept at the front of the court. In fact, much more adept than pretty much any other player in the women’s draw.
Of course, Evert should discuss this. Of course, Muchova is vastly superior than almost all of her rivals in this specific part of the game. Evert is a commentator. She needs to talk about this and make comparisons.
SUMMARY
There is essentially nobody in the women’s draw this year (Jabeur withdrew with an injury) to compare Muchova against with her attacking style finishing at the front of the court.
She is in a league of her own serving and volleying. She craves to go to the net and does exceptionally well up there. If there is basically nobody to compare her to in the women’s draw, people can’t get upset at Evert for comparing her to what’s going on in the men’s draw.
Karolina Muchova is an outstanding talent. She next plays Jasmine Paolini, who is coming off making the finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. It promises to be an outstanding match.
I, for one, look forward to Chris Evert’s commentary on the match.
Cheers,
Craig