John McEnroe has been one of tennis’ most outspoken and open individuals ever since he burst onto the scene as a player.
However, having officially retired in 1994, the American did not let his absence from the court detract from his ability to share his opinions.
Instead, particularly over the last decade or so, the player-turned-pundit has been given free rein to weigh in on every debate the sport has thrown up.
Keen to praise those who he feels deserve it, John McEnroe is equally as likely to lambast should he see fit.
Just last year, he did exactly that with the Australian Open, after they made a historic alteration to their schedule.
The Australian Open change that left John McEnroe unhappy
Speaking just last year about the change, McEnroe was characteristically blunt in his assessment.
After all, he felt that adding an extra day onto the tournament, whilst it may benefit players slightly, left him and other pundits working for longer in Melbourne.
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He argued: “First of all, it’s a money grab as far as I’m concerned. They just found another way to make some money. I don’t agree with it.
“I’m a commentator. No one’s particularly concerned about my feelings.
“The players, if they accept it and they’re getting something from it, like some money for their pensions or retirement for some players that don’t have insurance, I would say that’s a good thing that they have added an extra day.
“I don’t think that has happened (players getting more money), just like it didn’t happen at the French Open. I completely disagree with it.”
Ironically, earlier this year, McEnroe proposed a huge Australian Open change that would have fixed the schedule concerns that led to his frustration in 2024.
Tennis’ schedule will always come under fire
Given the unique nature of the sport, tennis’ schedule will seemingly always come under fire no matter what the governing bodies do to limit its issues.
After all, this Australian Open measure was put in place to prevent late-night finishes, which in turn impacts a player’s ability to perform at their best in the next round.
And yet, it still drew scrutiny.
Iga Swiatek has complained about the tennis schedule time and time again, alongside other big names like Carlos Alcaraz.
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Realistically, it is the players whose voices must be listened to above all else.
But unless they were to completely revamp the calendar and forge a huge enforced off-season, there will always be big names who have an issue with the way things are run.
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