John McEnroe misses US Open commentary due to Covid: ‘That sucks’

‘I’m watching the US Open from home and can’t wait to get back to work soon’

Roger Federer talks to John McEnroe during a practice session ahead of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on 20 September 2022 in London (Getty Images for Laver Cup)

Tennis legend John McEnroe said he tested positive for Covid, leaving many fans disheartened as they won’t see him in the commentary box for the 2023 US Open.

McEnroe, who was noticeably absent from ESPN’s commentary box for the first two days of the New York Grand Slam, said on Tuesday that he will miss commentating for the tennis championship.

“Unfortunately, after feeling a bit under the weather, I tested positive for Covid,” he said in a statement released on the second day of the Grand Slam tournament.

“I’m watching the US Open from home and can’t wait to get back to work soon.”

McEnroe did not elaborate if he will be returning to the booth before the tournament ends on 10 September. The 64-year-old tennis star has won four of his seven Grand Slam singles titles in the US.

ESPN extended its best wishes to McEnroe and said the network looks forward “to welcoming him back when he’s ready”.

McEnroe’s fans expressed sadness over his missing the tournament and wished for his speedy recovery.

“That sucks. One of the best analysts. Hope he feels better soon,” said a user of X, formerly Twitter.

“John McEnroe is out this week with Covid so I am sure it is really hard for them to broadcast 2 courts,” another user said.

The news of McEnroe testing positive for Covid comes after he was excluded from the commentary team of ESPN’s coverage for the Australian Open in January.

He was a regular at the ESPN commentary booth in Melbourne.

The season’s final Grand Slam began on Monday at New York’s Flushing Meadows.