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John McEnroe says there’s an American player he would love to start coaching on a part-time basis

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images for Laver Cup
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images for Laver Cup
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John McEnroe wishes he could join Frances Tiafoe’s coaching team even if it’s on a part-time basis.

The tennis legend is very much connected with the current generation and he usually shares his opinions on today’s players.

The American is at Roland Garros catching the action at the clay court Grand Slam in the French capital.

In the process he mentioned one of his compatriots he believes made a mistake with his coaching team that he would like to help rectify.

Which player would John McEnroe like to coach part-time?

While watching Carlos Alcaraz’s entertaining second-round French Open match against Jesper De Jong, McEnroe mentioned tennis coach Wayne Ferreira.

The 52-year-old began coaching Tiafoe in 2020 before the pair parted ways at the end of the 2023 season.

The South African, who is now coaching Britain’s Jack Draper, guided Tiafoe to his first grand Slam semi-final at the US Open in 2022.

While on commentary, McEnroe was left stunned that the 25-year-old let Ferreira go and wished he could have the chance to join his team.

“A little bit surprised that my friend and fellow American, Frances Tiafoe, decided to let him [Wayne Ferreira] go and part ways. That was somewhat surprising,” the tennis legend said on Eurosport.

“I thought he did an excellent job. What I would have done is kept Wayne and maybe added part time. There’s people out there. I would have liked to have helped Frances part-time!”

Laver Cup 2023 - Preview Day 2
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup

What is Frances Tiafoe’s record in 2024?

Since ending his partnership with Ferreira, Tiafoe has struggled for consistency which his results illustrate.

He has yet to win a title this year, with best result being a runner-up at the Houston Open, where he lost to fellow American Ben Shelton.

Tiafoe made the semifinals at Delray Beach in February, but he has managed just two wins on European clay.

His results have seen him drop outside the top 20 and the challenges of competing on clay and the upcoming grass court season make the road ahead tougher for the former world number 10.