John McEnroe claims Australian Open bosses are ripping players off with huge change to tournament that’s just a ‘money grab’
- Matches at the Aussie Open previously lasted until 4am
- Officials responded by adding an extra day to the tournament
- McEnroe doesn’t believe this measure will stop late night finishes
Tennis legend John McEnroe has dismissed the idea that extending the Australian Open schedule by a day is a measure aimed at player welfare, labeling it as nothing more than a ‘cash grab’.
Tennis Australia open director and CEO Craig Tiley said in October that the 2024 grand slam would start a day earlier than normal on January 14, making it a 15-day event for the first time.
Due to the adjustment, the tournament will span three weekends for the first time in history.
The decision was made based on data suggesting matches are now longer, increasing the risk of matches lasting into the early hours of the morning at Melbourne Park.
Tiley stated that the extra day in the schedule would alleviate stress on both players and spectators, following complaints about late night starts and 4 a.m. finishes in recent years.
“We have listened to the feedback from the players and fans and are pleased to be able to provide a solution to minimize late arrivals while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts,” he said.
Australian Open boss Craig Tiley has welcomed the move to add an extra day to the Open, hoping it will help reduce the number of late night matches
There will be plenty of young fans at Melbourne Park to see the world’s best, although previous matches were played until 4am
Veteran commentator and Grand Slam winner John McEnroe (pictured with Michaeline DeJoria) is unimpressed by the move and doesn’t believe it will halt late night matches
However, McEnroe, who is in Australia to commentate on this year’s Open on ESPN, is not convinced.
He claims tournament organizers have merely discovered a new revenue stream as the extra matchday will generate more television revenue and ticket sales.
“First of all, as far as I’m concerned, it’s a money grab,” McEnroe told ESPN.
‘They just found another way to make some money. I do not agree with it. I’m a commentator. No one is particularly concerned about my feelings.
“The players, if they accept it and get something from it, like some money for their retirement or retirement for some players who don’t have insurance, I would say it’s a good thing that they added an extra day.
“I don’t think that happened (players getting more money), just like it didn’t happen at the French Open. I completely disagree.
“I’m probably selfish for having to be away from home for an extra day or two.”
Andy Murray and local hope Thanasi Kokkinakis played out an epic five-set final at the Australian Open, enraging many fans until 4am
It’s not just the fans who are suffering: 10-time champion Novak Djokovic said players are thrown off their rhythm by the late finish
In 2023, Andy Murray branded the Open schedule a ‘mockery’ after his match with Thanasi Kokkinakis after it only finished at 4.05am after starting at 10pm the night before.
Murray raised concerns about the exploitation of unpaid ball kids who had to work during night games.
“If my kid was a ball boy for a tournament, they come home at 5 in the morning, as a parent I snap at that,” Murray said.
‘It is not beneficial for them. It’s not good for the referees, the umpires. I don’t think it’s great for the fans. It’s not good for the players.’
Novak Djokovic also expressed his dissatisfaction with the late match conclusions, stating that it significantly disrupted the players’ rhythm throughout the tournament.