via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: John McEnroe of the United States reacts during the mixed doubles match between John McEnroe of the United States and his partner Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Martina Navratilova of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain during the Wimbledon No. 1 Court Celebration in support of the Wimbledon Foundation at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on May 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: John McEnroe of the United States reacts during the mixed doubles match between John McEnroe of the United States and his partner Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Martina Navratilova of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain during the Wimbledon No. 1 Court Celebration in support of the Wimbledon Foundation at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on May 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Former American tennis star John McEnroe is among the most prominent tennis personality. After his retirement, the former world number 1 has established himself as one of the best tennis analysts. McEnroe primarily covers all crucial tournaments, including the Grand Slams. However, the start of the year 2023 brings sad news for McEnroe fans.
The American won’t be a part of the commentary team for the Australian Open. While the details behind the same are still not clear, fans are already unhappy with it.
Fans react as John McEnroe is out of the Australian Open commentary panel
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As per the reports from Herald Sun, John McEnroe won’t be providing his commentary services in the first Grand Slam of the year. However, there’s an AFL star who will play an important role this year. After retirement, McEnroe transformed into a brilliant analyst and commentator. People love the way he covers the matches added to the vast experience he brings with him.
As the news broke on Twitter, fans expressed their disappointment over it. Here’s how they reacted.
That’s a huge shame. He is great
— Steve Prideaux (@StevePrideauxAU) January 10, 2023
I dunno why McEnroe isn't doing it, but why the heck would you pick an AFL player rather than a tennis player?#AusOpen
— 🤠 Racin' Joe 🏎️ ⚫🔴⚫ (@Twittter_Suks) January 10, 2023
He’s the best tennis commentator and has the best insights to all the matches. Will miss him this year
— HHolland (@Holland92048309) January 10, 2023
Another fan came up with a suggestion to include a former Australian tennis star on the panel.
Just get jelena dokic to do it all. She’s the only one worth listening to
— Bree (@ohnoitsbreezy) January 10, 2023
Another fan blamed possible controversy.
Gee I wonder what they're scared of… his options perhaps not aligning with the powers that be?
— Brad Smits (@BradSmits) January 10, 2023
Speaking about the possible chance of former AFL star Matthew Pavlich joining the commentary team for the Australian Open, another fan wrote,
Matthew Pavlich doing tennis will be as good as Todd Woodbridge was doing Cricket.
Live and Free and Shithouse— Terry Rashed (@TerryRashed33) January 10, 2023
You can NOT be serious !!!! 🤬 pic.twitter.com/Vc8rrJQkBN
— XAEA12 (@XAEA129) January 10, 2023
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Most of the fans are not happy with the exclusion of McEnroe. However, before blaming the broadcasters it is essential to understand the reason behind the decision. It could also be a personal decision from McEnroe himself. While there’s no clarity regarding the reason behind it, adding a former AFL star to the panel has angered the fans even more.
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In the past few years, we have seen athletes from different sports donning commentators for sports other than their own domain. However, in such cases, knowledge remains a constraint. Also, the fans love to listen to McEnroe not only because he is good at commentary. Also, the eight-time Grand Slam champion has a great experience in tennis.
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What do you think of the move? Let us know in the comments section.
