"Money, set, match?" - John McEnroe labels extended Australian Open as a "Money Grab"
Tennis NewsWednesday, 10 January 2024 at 02:30
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.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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