‘Going to Open Up a Whole Can of Worms’ – John McEnroe Gives His Unfiltered Take On Tennis’ Potential Saudi Arabia Deal

Saudi Arabia’s involvement in tennis has created chaos! Well, there are a lot of things going on, such as the conversations about having the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia or having an additional tour as part of the whole season’s plans for the WTA and ATP players. Recently, John McEnroe, who has been a part of the tennis arena for such a long time, opened up about the thoughts of having an additional event in the actual set of tournaments.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion is one of those tennis players who is quite open and blunt about his thoughts on various topics. In the same way, he recently shared how things would take a drastic change if a new event was added to the schedule.

John McEnroe’s thoughts on adding a new tennis tournament

According to a report by Reuters, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia is reportedly making efforts to acquire a top-tier tennis event. Several sources have suggested that the PIF is keen on acquiring a slot that comes before the January Australian Open. Recently, John McEnroe, in a conversation with Reuters, opened up about how having a tournament during the season will create chaos.

John McEnroe stated, “I read recently they’re talking about an event before the Australian Open. That’s going to open up a whole can of worms. So we’ll see what develops. I’m not a big believer in having the tennis circuit go year-round. We need an off-season. Not only for players to recuperate but for fans to recuperate. And this is something we’ve always had difficulty with.” 

McEnroe not only stated that this would open up a whole can of worms, but at the same time, he also said that he does not support the move to have a tennis tour that goes around the whole year. Further, he also highlighted that having an off-season is an essential part of the whole circuit because everyone, including tennis players and even fans, needs time off to relax a bit.

Not only that, in the same interview, McEnroe also opened up about his thoughts on another debate that is going on regarding the WTA Finals moving to Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, he not only showcased his disagreement but also highlighted how he was surprised by Billie Jean King‘s stand in the debate.

McEnroe not happy with King’s stand 

In the same conversation, the seven-time Grand Slam champion opened up about how he doesn’t understand how someone like King, who has fought for women’s equality in tennis, is supporting the move of the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia, a country where a lot of concerns related to women’s rights still exist.

He stated, “Someone I’ve looked up to and think is the most influential human being on the face of the earth over the past 50 years for women’s sports has endorsed this idea from what I’ve read. I love Billie Jean. I’d like to speak to her about why she thinks that’s a good thing because to me it’s not.” Along with that, he also highlighted how he, as a player, is someone who is not in support of the move.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Saudi trying to draw a connection with tennis? Do let us know in the comments section below.

READ MORE – ‘We’re Shocked’ – John McEnroe’s Brother Shares Helpless Feelings Over Saudi Arabia’s $2 Billion Ultimatum