The American tennis legend, John McEnroe has somehow managed to remain a controversial figure even after his retirement. The 63 years old former tennis player, who is now working as a commentator, again became a contentious point because of his “Connecticut commentary” during Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Australian Open victory.
While complaining about the chair umpire, McEnroe made a ‘Sissypas’ remark about the Greek tennis player. The entire tennis community took note of those poor on-air comments during the semifinal match in Melbourne Park. Consequently, the 7 singles Grand Slam champion once again became a target of sharp criticism and backlash from the sporting realm including a renowned journalist.
Fans joined a renowned journalist in slamming John McEnroe
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During the Australian Open semifinal match, the American tennis commentator was heard continuously complaining about the chair umpire. John McEnroe was unimpressed as the umpire was calling it time violations on the Greek tennis player whenever he needed a break. While talking about the incident, the former tennis player made a ‘Sissypas’ remark about Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Taking note of that, a slew of fans joined a renowned journalist, Ben Rothenberg in condemning McEnroe for his amateurish commentary.
Rothenberg took to his Twitter to criticize ESPN for giving a commentating role to the former American tennis player despite having some talented broadcasters. He was irked by the renowned channel for having brought in “Connecticut commentary” at the Grand Slam event.
Notably, he said, “…and yes, my stamina for hearing McEnroe complain about how the umpire should stay out of it and not call time violations on “Sissypas” is running very low already.”
…and yes, my stamina for hearing McEnroe complain about how the umpire should stay out of it and not call time violations on “Sissypas” is running very low already.#AusOpen
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 27, 2023
A number of tennis fans also took note of Rothenberg’s criticism of McEnroe. They further flocked to the comments section to condemn the American tennis legend. One of the fans said, “especially considering that John Mc is an insufferable, outdated commentator. I turn the volume off when he’s the only option.”
especially considering that John Mc is an insufferable, outdated commentator. I turn the volume off when he’s the only option.
— John Oursler (@JMOursler) January 27, 2023
In the past, McEnroe has already faced backlash when he made a ‘Tom and Jerry’ remark about the Chinese tennis player, Shang Juncheng. While commentating about the player, he poked fun at his nickname ‘Jerry’. Notably, another fan said, “McEnroe is the worst as a sports commentator”.
McEnroe is the worst as a sports commentator
— Daniela Ortega (@danielaoortega) January 27, 2023
Meanwhile, one fan slammed him for not pronouncing Stefanos’ name correctly. The fan commented, “And John being unable to pronounce Tsitsipas correctly 🙄”
And John being unable to pronounce Tsitsipas correctly 🙄
— Dominic Johnson 🐶🏀 (@dom_johnson) January 27, 2023
Others reacted in a similar way,
When is this sport getting it together in terms of broadcasting? I had to look for a stream to watch the women's doubles semifinals, they didn't air the matches on ESPN Latin America.
— Jeniffer L. Estrada (@Jeniestra) January 27, 2023
Completely agree. At least give us the option to hear a commentator that are in Australia. NBA App has a multiple stream option with the choice of which commentators you'd like to listen to, and it's a great invention.
— Brandon Benz (@BrandonBenz84) January 27, 2023
There’s a disconnect that’s obvious from the commentators not being onsite. Also too many matches being shown on plus instead of mainstream cable. This Aus. Open coverage has sucked.
— Tony (@1966Tony1) January 27, 2023
What do you think of McEnroe’s comments during Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Australian Open victory? Let us know in the comments section.
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