BBC stars have made feelings clear on John McEnroe as he's told to retire
For many, Wimbledon wouldn't be the same without John McEnroe's distinctive and knowledgeable commentary echoing around Centre Court. The American tennis legend has become a fixture on British screens, having joined the media team at SW19 in the early 2000s.
The former world No. 1, now 66, ruled the men's game in the 1980s, clinching three Wimbledon titles and four US Open crowns.
Known as 'Superbrat' during his playing days, McEnroe called time on his colourful career in 1992 and has since become a respected analyst of the sport he once mastered. With an eye-watering salary to boot, McEnroe's presence in the commentary box has been polarising however.
His straightforward style and deep understanding of the game have earned him acclaim, but he's also faced criticism for what some perceive as "disrespect" towards certain players.
Colleagues who have worked with McEnroe speak highly of his commitment to broadcasting nevertheless. Former BBC host Sue Barker recently lauded McEnroe in her 2024 memoir, ' Wimbledon: A Personal History', reports the Express.
Barker wrote: "Mac is the BBC's highest-paid employee pro rata, and with good reason. The public love him. He was great to work with, always up for fun."
Another of McEnroe's colleagues, BBC commentator Andrew Castle, agreed with Barker's assessment. "John is a wonderfully, funny and well-weather guy," he told Globusbet. "I can tell you this, when he is into a match and is concentrating and is engaged whilst enjoying it, there is no one to match. It's a thrill to sit there and listen to what he has to say."
Even Pat Cash, an old rival from his playing days, couldn't hide his admiration for McEnroe, despite playfully mocking his commentary skills. During a chance meeting at Wimbledon in 2024, McEnroe greeted Cash with: "Cashy, it's great to see you in person, I've watched you on TV, but it is great to see you guys."
To which Cash responded with a cheeky retort: "Likewise, I've watched you on TV... until I can get to the off button." Dave Gordon, the former executive editor for BBC Sport and the man who once oversaw Wimbledon coverage, previously said that McEnroe took the broadcaster's coverage of SW19 "kicking and screaming into the 21st century."
Clive James, writing for the BBC in 2007, claimed that McEnroe was "so interesting" in the commentary booth that the presence of an actual match is almost unnecessary. He hailed McEnroe as the "supreme male commentator" at Wimbledon and even described him as a "philosopher".
McEnroe has faced some choppy waters recently however, with fans criticising him for mispronouncing players' names and showing up to tournaments seemingly underprepared – a departure from his usual insightful commentary.
Juggling duties between the BBC and ESPN in the US, McEnroe has drawn ire from some American viewers during this year's tournament.
One disgruntled fan took to social media, saying: "I see John McEnroe is at it again. If ESPN won't retire him, can we at least compromise and keep him off broadcasts until the semifinals where he'll actually know the players?".
Another questioned: "Why does John McEnroe have so little respect for other, 'lesser' players that he does not bother learning how to pronounce their names?".
McEnroe has also found himself in hot water with BBC's Wimbledon host Clare Balding, particularly during a heated live discussion about Novak Djokovic in 2024. Formerly, an inappropriate comment about "swingers" has seen him in trouble, while this year, a cruel remark regarding Russian teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva have led to criticism from both colleagues and viewers.
Additionally, McEnroe also had a minor clash with BBC presenter Simon Reed following comments about Jack Draper. His salary has also been a talking point; McEnroe remains one of the BBC's top-paid commentators for his fortnight's work during the championships.
The BBC's annual salary report disclosed that he pocketed between £195,000 and £199,000 during the 2023/24 financial year, representing a modest decline from his earlier £205,000 fee. Nevertheless, McEnroe's daily wage throughout Wimbledon remains around £14,000.
A BBC source justified the American legend's substantial pay packet to The Times in 2023, stating: "He is one of the most popular and respected pundits in tennis," adding: "He provides a unique perspective to our coverage."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Jannik Sinner won Wimbledon battle but war with Carlos Alcaraz is far from over
Just like that, Carlos Alcaraz is no longer the king of Wimbledon. The Spanish tennis superstar was aiming for a three-peat at this year's Championships but fell at the final hurdle to his biggest rival in the sport. But while Jannik Sinner may've won the battle – the war between the best two players on the planet is only just beginning. 'I take away many things to improve on,' Alcaraz said after his defeat. 'You have to accept that you can't always win, that your opponent can outplay you. The good thing about tennis is you have more tournaments ahead.' 'He (Alcaraz) is going to come for us again,' Sinner added after his triumph on Centre Court. 'We have a big target on us, so we have to be prepared.' The race to complete the career Grand Slam is now on, with both men now needing to win just one specific trophy each to secure the bragging rights. The French Open is the last major tournament Italian world No.1 Sinner hasn't won. For world No.2 Alcaraz, it's the Australian Open. The Spaniard will have the first opportunity at the start of 2026 – but there's still one last Grand Slam up for grabs this year at the US Open in New York… Australian Open 2024 – Jannik Sinner – Jannik Sinner French Open 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz – Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz – Carlos Alcaraz US Open 2024 – Jannik Sinner – Jannik Sinner Australian Open 2025 – Jannik Sinner – Jannik Sinner French Open 2025 – Carlos Alcaraz – Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon 2025 – Jannik Sinner One of the most exciting aspects of this new sporting war is that both men are still so early into their careers. Alcaraz is only 22. Sinner is just 23. 'I don't think I'm at my best [yet] because [at the age of] 23, I don't think you can be in your best shape ever,' Sinner explained. 'Hopefully I can keep improving. But it's important to have these kind of players (Alcaraz) because you have to always think.' The duo have now played each other 13 times on the ATP Tour. Alcaraz still leads the head-to-head 8-5 – but his run of five successive wins over Sinner is over. If both players keep up their incredible level of tennis – and avoid any significant injuries – they could continue to dominate the sport for the next decade and a half. Everyone knows it too. 'Alcaraz and Sinner are going to be carrying the torch for the next 10 to 15 years,' Nick Kyrgios, who covered the final for TNT Sports, told iNews. 'I am really happy about having this rivalry with him,' Alcaraz continued. 'I think it's great for us, and it is great for tennis. 'Every time we playing against each other, I think our level is really high. I think we don't watch a level like this, if I'm honest with you. 'I don't see any player playing against each other, you know, having the level that we are playing when we face each other. 'I think this rivalry, it's becoming better and better. We're building a really great rivalry because we're playing the finals of a Grand Slam, finals of Masters, the best tournaments in the world. It's going to be better and better. 'I'm just really grateful for that because it gives me the opportunity to give 100 per cent every practice, every day. 'Just to be better, thanks to that. The level that I have to maintain and I have to raise if I want to beat Jannik is really high.' Should Sinner defend his title at the US Open, he'll match Alcaraz's tally of five major trophies. If Alcaraz wins, he'll have six to Sinner's four. More Trending Ahead of what could be a third successive Grand Slam final between the pair at Flushing Meadows, Sinner has fired a little warning to his rival. 'My favourite surface is hard court.' It only seems like yesterday that we were talking about Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer – but tennis never stops – and all eyes are now on this enthralling rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner. They're the new John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. Fire and ice. Two players who approach the sport differently, but when the play one another, it's a truly must-watch spectacle. Long may it continue, because tennis needs it. MORE: Jannik Sinner shocked by his level of tennis since drug ban after Wimbledon win MORE: Every outfit Kate Middleton has worn at Wimbledon as she attends the 2025 finals MORE: Why are there no line judges at Wimbledon 2025 and how does electronic line calling work?
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Fans say football's ‘never been further gone' as Coldplay make shock appearance at Club World Cup half-time show
A popular British celeb had his say on the half-time party COLD TURKEY Fans say football's 'never been further gone' as Coldplay make shock appearance at Club World Cup half-time show FANS declared that football has 'never been further gone' after Coldplay made a shock appearance during the Club World Cup final's half-time show. Supporters were left stunned as Chelsea produced a masterclass to beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0. Advertisement 6 Coldplay made a surprise appearance during the Club World Cup final's half-time show 6 Football fans were left cringing at the performance A double from Cole Palmer set the Blues on their way before Joao Pedro netted his third just days after a £55million move from Brighton. And there was chaos at full-time when Luis Enrique SLAPPED Pedro to spark a mass on-pitch brawl. However, fans were truly left cringing when the half-time show began. The American tradition saw artists like Tems and J Balvin perform on a raised stage at the top of the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL VIK-TORY AT LAST Arsenal agree £63.5m Gyokeres move after Sporting star refused to return And the show ended with a surprise appearance from Chris Martin's Coldplay. The lengthy production saw the half-time break last over 20 minutes. It saw supporters flock online to express their disgust at seeing football introduce a half-time show. One said: 'Football's never been further gone.' Advertisement BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Another declared: 'Half time shows and national anthems, game's gone.' One noted: 'Half time show at 3-0 down must feel diabolical.' Club World Cup final descends into huge brawl with Enzo Maresca pulling Chelsea players away after Donnarumma madness 6 Cole Palmer scored twice as Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 Advertisement 6 The match ended in a fight as Luis Enrique slapped Joao Pedro 6 President Donald Trump unexpectedly joined in the trophy celebrations 6 Another boomed: 'Wtf are Coldplay doing there?' Advertisement One decreed: 'A sky full of stars.' Another added: 'Why is this happening?' Even Jeremy Clarkson got involved. The former Top Gear star said: 'People of America. So you know. Advertisement 'Half time at a football match is for a pie. Not singing.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
From Great British success to the farce of the electronic line calling system, here are the highs and lows of Wimbledon 2025
As the dust settles on Wimbledon for another year, it is Jannik Sinner who will be celebrating after his four-set defeat of Carlos Alcaraz. It was a sun-drenched and often scorching two weeks at the All-England Club as a heatwave engulfed SW19. Along the way there were some terrific highs and some rather forgettable low points at tennis' most storied Grand Slam. From the brilliantly-performing Brits to the farce surrounding the lack of line judges, this year's Wimbledon had it all. And so, with proceedings now brought to a close at Wimbledon for 2025, the grass that has been churned into dust along baselines can now rest once again. Here, Mail Sport's Matthew Lambwell takes a look at the biggest highs from this year's tournament. Highs Sonay Kartal and Cam Norrie For all the attention on Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper, it was two less fashionable Brits who stole the show. Kartal reached the last 16, showing that you do not have to be from a wealthy background, or a child prodigy, or tall and willowy to be a top British tennis player. As for Norrie, after the worst 18 months of his career when it looked as though the game might have passed him by, he played some of the finest tennis of his life to reach the quarters. His competitive spirit burns as fiercely as ever. The magnificent seven The super Tuesday on which seven Brits won through to the second round was the high watermark from a parochial perspective. Leading the way were a corps of US college boys whose progress we will follow keenly. Oliver Tarvet, who came through qualifying and acquitted himself well against Carlos Alcaraz in the second round, was most impressive. Aryna Sabalenka This has been a poor tournament overall but it is no coincidence two of the matches that will live in the memory involved the Belarusian world No1. Her tight third-round win over Emma Raducanu and her semi-final defeat by Amanda Anisimova were packed with tension and incident. Where some players can seem robotic she is so vibrantly human - from her screams of exertion, triumph or frustration to her frank admission to being 'p****d off' by Anisimova's behaviour. Lows The same old faces on commentary Given this was the first Wimbledon fully under the auspices of BBC head of sport Alex Kay-Jelski - he took over just before the last edition - we expected more of a shake-up in the commentary box. Instead it was the same old faces. There are valid reasons why Nick Kyrgios was not retained by the Beeb but some fresh blood from more recently retired players is needed. The heat We should not complain too much about a fortnight with only one day of serious rain but the heat was unbearable for much of the start and end of the fortnight. The courtside seats on Centre were sparsely populated simply because it was impossible to sit in 30C sun with no shade for that long. As the climate crisis continues this is only going to get worse. If the mooted shakeup of the tour ever transpires, there is a good argument for shifting Wimbledon back by a few weeks – when it is usually slightly cooler - to create a genuine grass court swing. Electronic line calling The players' complaints over its accuracy are simply not grounded in reality but there is no doubt the system was a disaster on its first outing at Wimbledon. Amid the malfunctions, the most consistent issue was how difficult it was for fans and even players to hear the calls, especially on the noisy stadium courts. Next year Wimbledon should introduce some visual signal - as we always had with line judges. IN or OUT could be displayed on the screens. And here's an idea - for very close ones, instead of announcing the call straight away, do a zoomed in replay on the big screen, in the style of the old challenges which added such drama. Best match Women: Amanda Anisimova bt Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 (semi-final). Men: Carlos Alcaraz bt Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (semi-final) Best shot Corentin Moutet against Francisco Comesana. The Frenchman dummied to hit an overhead then let the ball bounce and hit a half-volley drop shot - through his legs. Two sets to the good and four games away from check a first victory over a world No1 for 12 years, Grigor Dimitrov collapsed to the court with a scream of pain, clutching an abdominal muscle which had torn with the effort of another huge serve. What a let-off for Jannik Sinner.
