BBC stars have made feelings clear on John McEnroe as he's told to retire

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

John McEnroe has been a mainstay in the BBC commentary box for the best part of the last two decades, but the 66-year-old has not been without his critics in recent times
For many, Wimbledon wouldn't be the same without John McEnroe's distinctive and knowledgeable commentary echoing around Centre Court. The American tennis legend has become a fixture on British screens, having joined the media team at SW19 in the early 2000s.
The former world No. 1, now 66, ruled the men's game in the 1980s, clinching three Wimbledon titles and four US Open crowns.
‌
Known as 'Superbrat' during his playing days, McEnroe called time on his colourful career in 1992 and has since become a respected analyst of the sport he once mastered. With an eye-watering salary to boot, McEnroe's presence in the commentary box has been polarising however.
‌
His straightforward style and deep understanding of the game have earned him acclaim, but he's also faced criticism for what some perceive as "disrespect" towards certain players.
Colleagues who have worked with McEnroe speak highly of his commitment to broadcasting nevertheless. Former BBC host Sue Barker recently lauded McEnroe in her 2024 memoir, ' Wimbledon: A Personal History', reports the Express.
Barker wrote: "Mac is the BBC's highest-paid employee pro rata, and with good reason. The public love him. He was great to work with, always up for fun."
‌
Another of McEnroe's colleagues, BBC commentator Andrew Castle, agreed with Barker's assessment. "John is a wonderfully, funny and well-weather guy," he told Globusbet. "I can tell you this, when he is into a match and is concentrating and is engaged whilst enjoying it, there is no one to match. It's a thrill to sit there and listen to what he has to say."
Even Pat Cash, an old rival from his playing days, couldn't hide his admiration for McEnroe, despite playfully mocking his commentary skills. During a chance meeting at Wimbledon in 2024, McEnroe greeted Cash with: "Cashy, it's great to see you in person, I've watched you on TV, but it is great to see you guys."
‌
To which Cash responded with a cheeky retort: "Likewise, I've watched you on TV... until I can get to the off button." Dave Gordon, the former executive editor for BBC Sport and the man who once oversaw Wimbledon coverage, previously said that McEnroe took the broadcaster's coverage of SW19 "kicking and screaming into the 21st century."
Clive James, writing for the BBC in 2007, claimed that McEnroe was "so interesting" in the commentary booth that the presence of an actual match is almost unnecessary. He hailed McEnroe as the "supreme male commentator" at Wimbledon and even described him as a "philosopher".
‌
McEnroe has faced some choppy waters recently however, with fans criticising him for mispronouncing players' names and showing up to tournaments seemingly underprepared – a departure from his usual insightful commentary.
Juggling duties between the BBC and ESPN in the US, McEnroe has drawn ire from some American viewers during this year's tournament.
One disgruntled fan took to social media, saying: "I see John McEnroe is at it again. If ESPN won't retire him, can we at least compromise and keep him off broadcasts until the semifinals where he'll actually know the players?".
‌
Another questioned: "Why does John McEnroe have so little respect for other, 'lesser' players that he does not bother learning how to pronounce their names?".
McEnroe has also found himself in hot water with BBC's Wimbledon host Clare Balding, particularly during a heated live discussion about Novak Djokovic in 2024. Formerly, an inappropriate comment about "swingers" has seen him in trouble, while this year, a cruel remark regarding Russian teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva have led to criticism from both colleagues and viewers.
Additionally, McEnroe also had a minor clash with BBC presenter Simon Reed following comments about Jack Draper. His salary has also been a talking point; McEnroe remains one of the BBC's top-paid commentators for his fortnight's work during the championships.
The BBC's annual salary report disclosed that he pocketed between £195,000 and £199,000 during the 2023/24 financial year, representing a modest decline from his earlier £205,000 fee. Nevertheless, McEnroe's daily wage throughout Wimbledon remains around £14,000.
A BBC source justified the American legend's substantial pay packet to The Times in 2023, stating: "He is one of the most popular and respected pundits in tennis," adding: "He provides a unique perspective to our coverage."