John McEnroe TV sex joke leaves pundits in stitches before Clare Balding warning

11 July 2023 , 07:36

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John McEnroe raised eyebrows with his "swingers" comment (Image: BBC)

Clare Balding told John McEnroe the BBC is "not a channel for that sort of talk" after the tennis legend made a cheeky sex joke.

McEnroe left his fellow pundits in stitches after his "swingers" comment during Ons Jabeur's dominant display against Wimbledon rival Petra Kvitova on Monday. The 2022 women's singles finalist reached this year's quarter-finals with a 6-0, 6-3 triumph.

McEnroe and his fellow tennis pundits were discussing the overcast conditions at SW19 during Monday's action when he made his naughty joke. The three-time champion's banter was triggered when presenter Balding made a cricket reference.

While observing Jabeur's behaviour, Balding said: "Ons Jabeur is looking up at the sky above, wondering if it's going to rain. I think the answer is no. But it is overcast. It's one of those days that would see a bit of swing on the ball in cricket."

Fellow pundit Tim Henman, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon four times during his career, agreed with Balding and said it was "good conditions for the seamers". That set McEnroe up to make his "swingers" joke.

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McEnroe replied: "Are the swingers the ones who don't throw it as hard [in cricket]? Is that what swingers are? We have different definitions in the States!"

Laughter followed before Balding reminded McEnroe where he was. She said: "We're talking about something completely different, John! It's not a channel for that sort of talk."

John McEnroe made the cheeky joke while on screen with Tim Henman (AP)

As for Jabeur, the 28-year-old Tunisian is determined to win her first Grand Slam title at SW19 on Saturday. She is enjoying a purple patch after reaching last year's Wimbledon and US Open finals, losing to Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek respectively.

Jabeur will need to overcome Rybakina in their quarter-final clash on Wednesday if she's to keep her Wimbledon hopes alive. A number of superstars are still in the tournament, including top seed Swiatek and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.

What do you make of John McEnroe's joke? Let us know in the comments below!

"I am going for my revenge," said Jabeur after beating two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova. "It was a difficult final last year. it is going to bring a lot of memories. I am hoping to play like today and get the win. It will be a difficult match."

Jabeur was also full of praise for Kvitova and the Wimbledon crowd after Monday's match. She added: "I love how Petra plays. I respect a lot what she has done for women's tennis and today to be able to win against her is huge for me really.

"I'm loving every moment that I'm here. You guys [the crowd] have no idea the energy you bring to me. I just want to win every match so I can see you the next day - so remember this because I'm playing Rybakina!"

Tom Blow