John McEnroe slams Australian Open chiefs over ‘money grab’ decision
Tennis great John McEnroe has asserted that he completely disagrees with the decision to make the Australian Open a 15-day event and labelled it “a money grab.”
The former world No 1 said he would accept the move is a good thing if players were “getting something from it”, but he does not think that is the case.
For the first time in the Australian Open’s 119-year history, this year’s tournament will see play begin on an opening Sunday, with the event to run from January 14 to 28.
This will be the 112th edition of the Melbourne Grand Slam and the 56th in the Open Era, with first round matches to be played over the first three days, instead of two days as in previous years.
The Australian Open joins the French Open in starting on a Sunday and being played over 15 days, while Wimbledon and the US Open remain 14-day events.
“We’ve listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.
“The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike. The first round will now be played over three days instead of two, also giving fans an extra day of unbelievable tennis, entertainment, food and family fun.”
Speaking to ESPN ahead of this year’s Australian Open, McEnroe gave a typically candid response when asked for his thoughts on the move to introduce an additional day of play.
“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 seven-time Grand Slam singles champion said.
“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, just like it didn’t happen at the French Open. I completely disagree with it. That’s probably me being selfish that I have to be away from home an extra day or two.”
The American was also asked about when he was infamously defaulted in his fourth round match at the 1990 Australian Open for receiving three code violations.
“Are you trying to rub salt in the wounds? I did like my draw, though I [would have] had to play [Stefan] Edberg in the semis. That obviously wouldn’t have been a gimme,” McEnroe reflected.
“I should have known the rules had changed. I will admit that. I screwed up. The rules changed right before the tournament. That did cost me because I did have a good-looking draw there. I don’t want to say thank you for bringing that up (smiling).”
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