BBC defend John McEnroe after tennis legend's staggering Wimbledon pay rise
The BBC has stood by its decision to hand John McEnroe a pay increase for the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, with one insider making reference to his "unique perspective".
McEnroe, who won the men's singles title at Wimbledon on three occasions, has been a fixture on the BBC's coverage of the event for a number of years. He remained involved in 2023 despite Sue Barker, the long-time host, making way for Clare Balding.
According to a recent BBC report, McEnroe was paid between £205,000 and £209,000 for his two week's work at SW19. The American didn't commentate on the men's final this year, due to other TV responsibilities.
“He is one of the most popular and respected pundits in tennis, and he provides a unique perspective to our coverage," an insider told The Times. McEnroe's pay-packet represented an increase of around 10% compared to his earnings in 2022.
The 64-year-old also works for ESPN, and he commentated on the men's final for the American broadcaster this time around. Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious on centre-court, ending defending champion Novak Djokovic's long unbeaten stretch at Wimbledon.
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While McEnroe wasn't on commentary duty for the men's singles final, he did commentate on Marketa Vondrousova's victory over Ons Jabeur in the women's singles final. It has also been pointed out that he appeared on commentary and in the studio for every day of the BBC's fortnight-long coverage of the tournament.
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John McEnroe has been a regular fixture on the BBC's Wimbledon coverage (PA)Before this year's tournament, McEnroe opened up on the void left by former host Barker. “Her not being there is going to be a bummer, but Sue is a legend," he said. "You know, I mean she was incredible at what she did. So it’s going to be a void.
"It’s like when (Bjorn) Borg didn’t play. For us, it was a huge thing. So especially since I’ve been doing this, the other side, the commentary side for as long as I have and doing it with her.
"She just makes it easier for everyone around her. And she’s did that for 25 years or something. So it’s a tough act to follow, shall I say?
"So we’ll see what happens. The old cliché is that all good things come to an end. She decided that this was enough, go out I guess on a high. And God bless her. Hopefully, she’ll come by and say hello.”
McEnroe didn't commentate on Carlos Alcaraz's men's singles victory for the BBC (AFP via Getty Images)McEnroe's salary was revealed as part of the BBC approach of sharing details of those paid more than £150,000. While the American wasn't on commentary duty for the Beeb for the men's final, he did hail eventual champion Alcaraz earlier in the year when he lost to Djokovic in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.
"Expectations are so high; you want to temper them and put more pressure on him, but he seems to handle it unbelievably well," he said. "At some point, it’s going to hit him, and we just hope he will be ready for it then. Truthfully, I think he is a complete player
"His backhand could be better, and I’m trying to think what else. I’d give [all his attributes] an A or an A+. His backhand would be a B+. That’s not to say it’s bad. I’m not kidding, this is the best I've ever seen a 20-year-old, as complete a player."
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