‘He Is Separating People’ – When John McEnroe Criticized Former United States President Donald Trump for His Controversy With the NFL Players

Over the years, American tennis has produced some exceptional tennis players who have gone on to attain legendary status. From the likes of Billie Jean King and Chris Evert to Andre Agassi and Serena Williams, these players have enthralled tennis fans across the globe. Further, amongst them is the seven-time Grand Slam champion, John McEnroe.

McEnroe turned pro in 1978 and did not require long to register his first Grand Slam singles title. At the US Open in 1979, he defeated Vitas Gerulaitis in the summit clash to win his maiden Grand Slam title. However, he was an aggressive player and was often caught on the wrong end of controversies on the court.

John McEnroe on Donald Trump’s controversy with the NFL players

In 2017, the then United States President, Donald Trump, made a fiery remark against NFL players for their involvement in the US National Anthem kneeling protests. Reacting to this, McEnroe said, “The problem we have with Trump is that he is separating people and the job of a president is to bring people together, not to separate them. I don’t know when this anthem tradition began.”

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Further, he added, “Of course, I’d prefer it to be something else and not seeing footballers kneeling during the anthem, but perhaps they’re so desperate that they feel they have to do this at this time. At first, I didn’t think it was a good idea but now I think it may help bring about change faster. I’m in Europe and everyone is talking about it. Everything that happens in my country resonates.” (Translated using Google Translate)

McEnroe backs Raducanu to deliver the goods at the US Open

Despite being a strong critic of the British tennis star Emma Raducanu, McEnroe has backed her to dig deep at this month’s US Open. However, Raducanu is going through a difficult patch, after early exits at the Citi Open and the National Bank Open.

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Raducanu is the defending champion at this year’s US Open and has to defend 2000 ranking points. If she fails to deliver at the last Grand Slam tournament of the season, Raducanu will suffer a massive blow to her WTA ranking.