"Money, set, match?" - John McEnroe labels extended Australian Open as a "Money Grab"

Former world number one John McEnroe has labeled the 15-day Australian Open as a ‘money grab’.

The first Grand Slam of the year is set to begin in less than a week where players from all over the world will showcase their talent and battle it out to secure the ultimate prize.

McEnroe, who won seven Grand Slams in his illustrious career, was recently quoted in a report where he labelled the tournament as a ‘money grab’.

“First of all, it's a money grab as far as I'm concerned,” said the 64-year-old. “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.

“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, just like it didn't happen at the French Open. I completely disagree with it. That's probably me being selfish that I have to be away from home an extra day or two.”

In the men’s singles category, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic will be defending his title whereas in the women’s singles category Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka will defending her crown.