John McEnroe issues statement explaining absence from US Open tennis coverage

30 August 2023 , 17:57

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Tennis legend John McEnroe

Tennis legend and ESPN analyst John McEnroe tested positive for COVID-19, preventing him from calling the U.S. Open.

"Unfortunately, after feeling a bit under the weather, I tested positive for COVID," McEnroe said in a statement released by the network on Tuesday. "I am watching the U.S. Open from home and cannot wait to get back to work soon."

It is unclear if the tennis legend will resume his role as a commentator before the end of the US Open on September 10th. ESPN sent their well wishes to McEnroe and expressed their excitement for his return at a later time.

The network also noted that McEnroe will not be present for the US Open television coverage. Patrick McEnroe, Chris Fowler, Pam Shriver, and Cliff Drysdale have taken on analyst duties since his absence. Fowler is now the lead caller for the network during the tournament.

Fans of tennis were outspoken about the absence of McEnroe, wishing him the best in his recovery. They have also taken to social media to express their desire for his return to the booth.

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"That sucks. One of the best analysts. Hope he feels better soon," wrote a user on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"John McEnroe is out this week with Covid, so I am sure it is really hard for them to broadcast two courts," wrote another user. "Bummer," written simply on the platform for the tennis icon.

Venus Williams and John McEnroe at a tennis event in New York City

Before the US Open, ESPN reportedly opted out of sending the tennis legend to Melbourne to be in the booth for the Australian Open. Instead, he worked with Eurosport, with ESPN needing to provide a clear answer for his absence.

McEnroe had an eventful two years during this season's Wimbledon championships, earning backlash through commentary that pundits called "beyond ridiculous.".

He was in hot water during the competition after making critical remarks towards an umpire who called a foul on Novak Djokovic for grunting against Jannik Sinner. The Serbian was penalized one point, with McEnroe publically calling the call horrible from the commentary box.

Finally, McEnroe was denied an appearance on Wimbledon's Centre Court with past rival Bjorn Borg by the All England Club after the pair wanted to recreate their event final from 1980. Instead, they were instructed to make their way to Court 6, which McEnroe said was, Not quite the same, but beggars cannot be choosers."

The 64-year-old won the U.S. Open tournament on four separate occasions in 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1984. He has also won four out of seven Grand Slam singles titles at the U.S. Open. Since 1987, the U.S. Open has become traditionally known for being the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year.

Rory Robinson