The US Open has suffered one of its biggest blows on only the second day of the tournament. It’s not about any particular big seeds falling or players withdrawing. A certain John McEnroe has confirmed to be tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, the 64-year-old has parted ways with the US Open coverage team.
It’s a massive blow for the coverage team as McEnroe has been an integral part of it for years. The American’s insights will be a big miss for the tournament. The fans, on the other hand, did not quite take the news nicely. They were critical of his recklessness and worried about the tournament.
Twitterati reacts to John McEnroe’s Covid update
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With time, the precautions relating to Covid have been relaxed. Players rarely put on masks and social distancing has become a forgotten concept. The smooth running of the last few tournaments has changed people’s outlook toward the cruel virus that continues to exist. McEnroe’s news could be an eye opener for the tennis community.
John McEnroe says he tested positive for COVID and will miss US Open TV coverage https://t.co/eXsWdDjwEv
— Data Report (@CovidDataReport) August 30, 2023
The news received a mixed bag of reactions from the fans. Worried about public health, a fan pointed out the number of people who attended matches at the US Open.
One match had 76,000 people attending https://t.co/EZ8zTpK691
— Fran Peyer (@PeyerFran) August 30, 2023
Another fan referred to last week’s exhibition that involved packed crowds and no precautions. “I wonder how much COVID is spreading among people and players there,” said the fan.
Less than a week ago, McEnroe was part of an exhibition match at the US Open. Where no precautions were being taken. I wonder how much COVID is spreading among people and players there. https://t.co/D9prS3Y54J
— Cheryl Harris🌻 (@cdh111) August 30, 2023
McEnroe was also dragged for not putting on a mask regularly. He was also in close contact with several players.
This is literally b/c of radicalized MAGA extremists who won’t do the right thing and wear a mask and get vaccinated.
— Riley Samson (@RileySamson0) August 30, 2023
One fan expressed her disappointment with a gif of an annoyed child. It read,”Lord, help me with this one.”
https://t.co/2RZSsXGDuo pic.twitter.com/EOIsOYPK8f
— Dr.Marjorie Roberts (@DrMarjorieRobe1) August 30, 2023
One of the fans feared for the tournament. What if…
Oh no! What if he turns out to be a spreader or something?? Entire tournament could get cancelled!! https://t.co/kT5oBH5juK
— Carlos Alcaraz is the GOAT (@GoatCaraz) August 30, 2023
Amidst all the backlash, there were fans who came up with supportive comments for the seven-time major champion. His voice and insights would surely be a big miss for the tournament.
I miss his voice and insight.
— Diane Tuman (@dianetuman) August 30, 2023
Another fan sympathized with McEnroe during tough times. She also mentioned her 103-year-old father is suffering from the same virus and wished strong health for both.
Healing hugs! My 103 year old Dad just got it too!
— gigi shapiro (@GigiShapiroProd) August 30, 2023
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You can see there were largely harsh responses from fans. Supporting comments were few and far between. However, they also have the right to worry about the tournament as COVID can spread like wildfire if the required precautions aren’t taken.
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Do you think that the players at the US Open should maintain social distancing for the rest of the tournament? Let us know in the comments.
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