Tennis icon turned seasoned commentator John McEnroe has once more found himself in the firing line of fans. During the US Open final, viewers increasingly demanded he step away from the microphone for good.
Despite his illustrious playing career, a mounting number of tennis enthusiasts are growing tired of McEnroe’s progressively disruptive commentary approach. The American, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, retired in 1992 and has since turned to commentary. He was in the booth for ESPN on Sunday when Carlos Alcaraz took on rival Jannik Sinner in a thrilling US Open men’s singles final, though some fans were not impressed by how McEnroe acted as social media erupted after the clash.
One fan wrote: “John McEnroe irritating af to listen to,” whilst another begged: “Do either Patrick or John McEnroe know how to shut up during a point?”
Some comments went further: “God, please take John McEnroe into retirement and not Cliff Drysdale,” and “The bias of McEnroe as a commentator makes me turn the volume down.” Perhaps the most scathing plea came in the form of: “Wish McEnroe would shut up with his chatter and musings and let us watch the tennis game.”
Despite harsh criticism, McEnroe has also gained a legion of fans over the years and is one of the best-paid tennis commentators in the world due to his straight-talking style and X-factor appeal. The US Open final itself proved to be a thrilling encounter between Sinner and Alcaraz. The Spaniard snatched away the men’s tennis crown at the 2025 US Open, overcoming Sinner in a four-set thriller, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
It was a contest brimming with intensity, theatre, and significance. Alcaraz not only secured his second US Open men’s singles title and sixth Grand Slam triumph overall, but also regained the world No. 1 position.
The final represented the third major clash of 2025 between Sinner and Alcaraz. Each claimed victory in the previous Grand Slams: Sinner triumphed at Wimbledon and Alcaraz conquered the French Open.
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Enhancing the drama, US President Donald Trump graced Arthur Ashe Stadium, becoming the first serving US president to attend in 25 years. His attendance led to increased security measures and considerable delays as spectators waited to enter.
Alcaraz’s triumph solidifies his status amongst tennis’s elite, matching greats by securing multiple Grand Slams on different surfaces. It also further establishes the “Big Two” contest between Alcaraz and Sinner as the sport’s leading storyline.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk