John McEnroe, 66, blasted for 'irritating' antics at Wimbledon with icon accused of 'belching up words'

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 12/07/2025

- 13:16

The tennis legend has come under fire for his commentary style

Esteemed sports columnist Sally Jenkins has launched a blistering attack on John McEnroe's tennis commentary, demanding network executives remove him from broadcasting duties.

In her Washington Post column this week, Jenkins delivered a scathing assessment of the three-time Wimbledon champion's performance in the commentary box.


The respected journalist then added: "Coupled in the ESPN broadcast booth at Wimbledon this week, they [McEnroe and his brother Patrick McEnroe] have given the viewer about as much information as a couple of air compressors, complete with the irritating hissing."

Her damning verdict included the memorable line: "Belching up words is not broadcasting."

John McEnroe

Esteemed sports columnist Sally Jenkins has launched a blistering attack on John McEnroe's tennis commentary, demanding network executives remove him from broadcasting duties

GETTY

Jenkins suggested the 66-year-old former player appears allergic to studying the modern game or learning about rising stars beyond the world's top five players.

She highlighted McEnroe's persistent mispronunciation of players' names as evidence of his apparent unprofessionalism.

Italian player Flavio Cobolli has been called "Carbelly, Cowbelly and Cahbally" during Wimbledon coverage, with Jenkins writing: "Maybe by the semis, Johnny Mac will buy another vowel. Or study his ESPN binder."

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Grigor Dimitrov

John McEnroe made a blunder when discussing Grigor Dimitrov's serve at Wimbledon

Reuters

The columnist also pointed to McEnroe's factual errors, including incorrectly identifying a Grigor Dimitrov serve as the "biggest serve he ever hit" despite a faster one occurring earlier in the tournament.

She recalled his admission at the 2024 Australian Open that he knew nothing about Belgium's Zizou Bergs, and his on-air rant about Chinese player Juncheng Shang's nickname "Jerry" at the 2023 Australian Open.

Jenkins accused McEnroe of behaving "worse than the most spoiled actress" and abusing what she termed a "diva license" granted by network executives. She cited a particularly awkward incident during last month's French Open men's final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

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McEnroe arrived late to the broadcast, forcing colleagues Chris Evert and Tim Henman to cover for his absence.

The columnist argued that whilst McEnroe won seven singles Grand Slam titles during his playing career, this achievement no longer justifies his position in the commentary box.

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Jenkins recommended that executives should instead turn to what she called a "raft of truly talented voices" who bring genuine insight to tennis broadcasting. She specifically named Chris Evert, Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi as superior alternatives.

Despite the harsh criticism, McEnroe continues to be a fixture of Wimbledon coverage for the BBC.

John McEnroeJohn McEnroe has never shied away from making controversial commentsPA

The Beeb's 2023 salary report revealed McEnroe earned approximately £215,000 for the 2023/24 season, a slight decrease from the previous year's £223,000.

This translates to roughly £15,000 per day throughout the tournament, ensuring the controversial commentator remains well-compensated despite Jenkins' call for his removal from broadcasting duties.