John McEnroe Brutally Criticized For 'Irritating Hissing' In Wimbledon Commentary
NewsSaturday, 12 July 2025 at 13:00
John McEnroe's commentary at Grand Slams divides opinion among tennis fans. One well-known journalist made her view clear in a cutting article.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion has been commentating for many years. Every former top player provides insights that can help give fans an extra layer of understanding about what is happening on the court.
However, many fans feel McEnroe does not grasp the modern game like other younger commentators and fails to add the same level of wisdom he did in his earlier years.
Others have called the former ATP world No. 1 disrespectful to lower-ranked players. The American has not hesitated to admit when he knows nothing about some of the players he watches, including those who have been in the Top 50.
Despite those complaints, the BBC, TNT Sports, and American broadcasters continue to hire McEnroe. In 2023, the BBC defended its decision to pay him huge amounts for working at the two-week event.
Experienced columnist Sally Jenkins snapped in an article for The Washington Post. She slammed McEnroe and his brother Patrick as "irritating" and claimed they offered no useful analysis during matches.
"Coupled in the ESPN broadcast booth at Wimbledon this week, they have given the viewer about as much information as a couple of air compressors, complete with the irritating hissing."
Jenkins then attacked the older McEnroe brother for consistently mispronouncing players names, and thinks he mistakes his ignorance for being an endearing quality that audiences enjoy.
"When the elder Mac isn't burying the viewer in superficialities, he blithely and unembarrassedly mangles foreign pronunciations, apparently because he imagines it is part of his ineffable charm."
Jenkins also criticized McEnroe for his lack of knowledge and unwillingness to research unfamiliar players. The columnist argues that such unprofessionalism should not be tolerated when covering significant tournaments.
Jenkins unfavorably compared him to other commentators, such as Andre Agassi, Chris Evert, and Andy Roddick. She thinks networks would be better served using those voices to help illuminate the matches being played.
It is important to note that Agassi, Evert, and Agassi also attract criticism. Evert, like McEnroe, is often accused by online fans of talking too much between points to a degree that is wholly unnecessary.
Many fans praised Nick Kyrgios' commentary at last year's Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. He brought a different style, and fans appreciated having someone who played against many of those he commented on.
The BBC decided not to use Kyrgios at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships. Kyrgios lambasted the broadcaster for that move, and claimed some of those contributing instead of him could not give the same insights.
Many analysts often receive praise for their work. Andrea Petkovic, who condemned Kyrgios for comments she termed "misogynist nonsense," is regularly lauded for her work in the commentary box and as an analyst.
Commentary is subjective, and different styles appeal to different people. What seems clear is that McEnroe will be on commentary at the four Grand Slams for the foreseeable future because a section of the audience enjoys listening to him.
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