BBC presenters Clare Balding and Tracy Austin have criticised John McEnroe for making a sarcastic remark about Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva's French Open performance during the broadcaster's Wimbledon coverage.
The awkward exchange occurred when Balding explained that Andreeva's coach, Conchita Martinez, had texted "you are golden" to the 18-year-old before Wimbledon.
McEnroe quipped: "Did she text her that before the French?"
His comment referenced Andreeva's disappointing Roland Garros campaign last month, where she lost her composure and was defeated by qualifier Lois Boisson.
BBC presenters Clare Balding and Tracy Austin have criticised John McEnroe for making a sarcastic remark about Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva's French Open performance during the broadcaster's Wimbledon coverage
BBC
Balding appeared genuinely surprised by the remark, pausing before responding: "Why are you saying that?"
Tracy Austin also objected to her fellow American's comment, blurting out: "Oh, come on!"
McEnroe attempted to defend his remark, telling them: "I don't mean to be a bummer here, I'm just saying..."
The 66-year-old then laughed awkwardly before bluntly demanding: "Forget it!"
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Mirra Andreeva lost at Wimbledon on Wednesday
PA
Austin insisted: "Yeah, move on, next question."
The uncomfortable moment highlighted tensions during the BBC's coverage, with McEnroe's co-presenters clearly disapproving of his dig at the young player.
The exchange came as the panel discussed Andreeva's support for Martinez during a seniors' match at Wimbledon, where the teenager displayed a banner reading "Let's go! Top spin! You are golden."
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Andreeva reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals and lost to Belinda Bencic today.
The teenager had attended the All England Club to support Martinez in her seniors' match, shouting from the stands whilst displaying her handmade banner.
Martinez is reported to have sent the encouraging "you are golden" text message to Andreeva at the start of the Championships, with Balding telling viewers: "Just remember, you are golden. You can win this."
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Following her fourth-round victory over Emma Navarro, Andreeva had promised to support her coach, joking: "I'm already thinking about a poster I will make. I think that's my time to get back at her."
McEnroe later praised Andreeva and defended her against critics of her on-court outbursts.
Making a self-referential joke, he sarcastically laughed: "Who can forgive a teenager for losing their head?"
John McEnroe has never shied away from making controversial comments
PAAustin, apparently having moved past McEnroe's earlier comment, jokingly responded: "You cannot be serious?!"
Her response referenced McEnroe's infamous outburst at the 1981 Championships, when aged 22 he furiously disputed a line call he believed was incorrect.
The exchange showed McEnroe acknowledging his own history of temperamental behaviour whilst defending the young Russian's emotional reactions during matches.