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

@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.

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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.

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…”

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?”

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!”

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.

Fans have also called Novak the absolute GOAT after his 10th AO title.

Fans have also talked about the younger talents who stole the show in the first grand slam of the season.

At the same time, fans also sided with the main tweet and said that the future looks a little bleak.

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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