American tennis great John McEnroe has labelled Tennis Australia’s revised schedule this summer a “cash grab”, while admitting it may be his “selfish” opinion on the topic.
The governing body added an extra day to the 2024 Australian Open, beginning this year’s tournament on Sunday rather than Monday.
The logic behind the decision is to avoid matches starting late and finishing late – following Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis playing until after 4am at last year’s Open.
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The extra day is designed to spread the draw thinner across a slightly longer period.
McEnroe, though, is not buying that line from Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley.
“First of all, it’s a money grab as far as I’m concerned,” McEnroe said on ESPN.
“They just found another way to make some money. I don’t agree with it.
“I’m a commentator. No one’s particularly concerned about my feelings.
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“The players, if they accept it and they’re getting something from it, like some money for their pensions or retirement for some players that don’t have insurance, I would say that’s a good thing that they have added an extra day.
“I don’t think that has happened (players getting more money), just like it didn’t happen at the French Open. I completely disagree with it.”
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But McEnroe tempered his comments with the admission he begrudgingly will have to work an extra day while in Australia.
“That’s probably me being selfish that I have to be away from home an extra day or two,” he said.
McEnroe is in Melbourne to commentate for ESPN during the Australian Open.
