John McEnroe angers fans with comments about French Open winner Iga Swiatek – and confuses others with goodbye message

At the French Open Final Last weekend, former professional tennis player and commentator John McEnroe confused – and angered – some fans by commentating on the final two matches, including making comments that some considered sexist.

When fellow commentator Mary Carillo mentioned that five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek turned down a partnership with the brand Lancome because she doesn’t wear much makeup, McEnroe’s response raised eyebrows.

After comparing the player to tennis great Rafael Nadal, McEnroe wondered: “Do you think if they offer her enough, Lancôme, maybe she would consider wearing a little makeup for the right price?”

Swiatek won the French Open final, defeating Jasmine Paolini. Some fans were surprised by McEnroe’s makeup comment.

“That was disgusting,” one person wrote on social media, tagging NBC Sports and other affiliated channels. “It’s time for McEnroe to disappear as a commentator. See you later.”

Others called him “sexist,” “horrible” and a “clown.” This isn’t the first time McEnroe has received criticism for his comments about tennis players.

During a 2017 interview in NPRMcEnroe said that Serena Williams was the “greatest player of all time – without a doubt”, but when asked why he qualifies her as “female”, he said, “if she played on the men’s tour, she would be around 700 in the world”. .

Later interview with “CBS Mornings”, Norah O’Donnell asked if he would like to apologize. McEnroe replied, “No.”

Fans were also confused when McEnroe appeared to say goodbye to his commentary job during the French Open – but he may not actually be retiring.

During the final match on Sunday between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander ZverevMcEnroe took a moment to thank Mary Carillo, as well as NBC, who were broadcasting the tournament in the U.S.

“Even though I have a chance, Mary, all the years, it’s the last set, the fifth set, for everything, we’ve worked together so many times,” McEnroe said. “Thank you so much. Give me a hug. I love you.”

“NBC, thank you very much. You gave me my first job as an announcer,” he continued. “I appreciate it. What a way to end this match. Great effort from both guys. I don’t know who’s going to win. Any ideas?”

Alcaraz won the match in the fifth set. But some fans were confused by McEnroe’s apparent goodbye to the comments.

He could, however, be referring specifically to the French Open broadcast. NBC no longer holds the US rights to the French Open, Variety reported for the first time. now owns the rights, and TNT Sports will be the place to watch the Roland Garros tournament in 2025.

The French Open has been broadcast on NBC in the United States since 1983, except for a three-year gap, according to Variety.

McEnroe retired from singles tennis in 1994, but began working as a NBC commentator in 1992, starting with the French Open. CBS News has reached out to NBC Sports about McEnroe’s employment as a commentator and is awaiting a response.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner will still do his analysis at Wimbledon in July, commenting on the BBC alongside fellow Grand Slam winners Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash and Tracy Austin.

McEnroe, known for his colorful language on and off the court, drew attention for other comments made during the tournament, including his criticism of the timing.

After Novak Djokovic had to withdraw from the tournament due to a knee injury, McEnroe said it was horrible and a joke that the 24-time Grand Slam winner had to play at 10:30 p.m.

“He talked about the knee problem before the tournament. That couldn’t have helped,” he said. McEnroe said while commenting. “And it goes until three in the morning – absurd! If that doesn’t change the mindset in the Majors about this type of scheduling, I don’t know what will. He’s the No. 1 player in the world.”

Social media users also criticized the incorrect pronunciation of Zverev’s surname during the final match. McEnroe praised Zverev’s opponent Alcaraz as his favorite player to watch, saying he is better than Federer, Nadal and Djokovic at 21.