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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: John McEnroe of the United States reacts during the mixed doubles match between John McEnroe of the United States and his partner Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Martina Navratilova of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain during the Wimbledon No. 1 Court Celebration in support of the Wimbledon Foundation at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on May 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: John McEnroe of the United States reacts during the mixed doubles match between John McEnroe of the United States and his partner Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Martina Navratilova of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain during the Wimbledon No. 1 Court Celebration in support of the Wimbledon Foundation at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on May 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
The Australian Open saw much controversy in 2023 as matches went late into the night. Many players complained about the late-night schedule, as some matches went past midnight. John McEnroe, who provided coverage for the tournament, suggested they make certain changes to improve the schedule. His wishes are about to come true as the Australian tennis CEO announced changes to help players get a better recovery period.
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Players weren’t the only ones who complained about the gruesome schedule of the tournament. Fans were also outraged about the way bouts were organized. Their voices have been heeded and changes have been implemented.
John McEnroe gets his Christmas gift from Australian tennis
The 2023 Australian Open found itself amid controversy as some matches went on late in the night. They did not anticipate long clashes in the early rounds, which were played even after midnight, giving players less time to recover. Many were outraged, and John McEnroe was one of the many who asked them to ponder about the late-night matches.
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 26: Team World Captain John McEnroe looks on during an exhibition match during Day 3 of the 2021 Laver Cup at TD Garden on September 26, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Craig Tiley, the CEO of Tennis Australia, said that they have heeded the words of players and fans worldwide. They are ready to implement certain changes to the tournament, starting off by adding an extra day.
He said, “The first round will now be played over three days instead of two, also giving fans an extra day of unbelievable tennis, entertainment, food and family fun. Every year, our team works hard to bring fans an event that feels new and exciting, and this is another opportunity to grow what is already the biggest annual sporting event in the world in January.”
McEnroe, after the match of Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis, was angry at how the clash could go on for so long. His words after their bout are now fulfilled by Tennis Australia.
John McEnroe after late-night clash
Murray was down two sets in his second-round match against Kokkinakis. But the Briton found a second wind and showed Kokkinakis why he was the former number 1. The match would go on to five sets, and Murray sealed his victory in a fantastic clash. However, the match was arduous for both as it began at 10:20 and went on till 4 am in the morning.
After the match, McEnroe said it was crazy to have them play such an hour, and the organizers needed to do a much better job next year. He then said that it would be a match people would talk about, but it would hamper Murray’s chances of going further, and he was right. Murray lost the third round. Now that they have heeded his words, players will stand a better chance in earlier rounds.
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