ESPN is facing calls to axe John McEnroe after he controversially pleaded for Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to return to their best in wake of Alexander Zverev‘s US Open win.
Zverev sealed a second Grand Slam of the year with a four-set victory over home favorite Ben Shelton on Sunday.
The No 1 seed, whose service routine has sparked calls for a rule change, broke the hearts of a New York crowd who hoped Shelton would become the first American man to win a major since 2003.
But he was beaten 6-3 7-6 5-7 6-2 by Zverev and afterwards a clip went viral from ESPN’s coverage of the US Open final.
‘So the drought continues but the rebirth of Sascha Zverev also continues into 2027 – Down Under awaits, huh?’ lead announcer Chris Fowler said, looking ahead to the Australian Open.
‘Get healthy Carlos and Jannik!’ responded McEnroe, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion who serves as an analyst alongside his brother Patrick.
John McEnroe is facing a backlash over his comments after Alexander Zverev’s US Open win
Zverev sealed a second Grand Slam of the year with a four-set victory over Ben Shelton
Both Alcaraz and Sinner have battled injury issues over recent months, with world No 1 Sinner missing the US Open with a knee problem, while Alcaraz returned at Flushing Meadows after more than four months out with wrist damage.
But McEnroe’s comments sparked fury among some fans, who accused the tennis legend of being ‘unprofessional’ and ‘belittling the sport.’
‘Sorry, this should be the final straw for John McEnroe,’ one supporter wrote. ‘Unprofessional, belittling the sport and stealing the spotlight from the champion and runner up seconds after victory.’
Another added: ‘McEnroe has to go. Carlos is healthy and he played, It’s not Zverev’s fault that Jannik’s knee doesn’t work. It’s his moment and he won fair and square… this is honestly pathetic.’
Others defended the 67-year-old, however, insisting his comments were part of a discussion looking forward to the 2027 season. ‘It’s exactly what most tennis fans are thinking,’ one said.
It is not the first time that McEnroe has faced a backlash over comments he made at this US Open. He was earlier accused of being ‘disrespectful’ in the wake of Novak Djokovic’s first-round exit.
After Djokovic was beaten by world No 49 Mariano Navone, McEnroe joked that the Argentine would be ‘playing [his] second round on Court 21.’
