‘It’s Not Sportsmanlike’ – 57-Year-Old Australian Legend Gives John McEnroe a Taste of His Own Medicine Following His Controversial Roger Federer Remarks

A discourse about the best players is ubiquitous between fans of a sport. Even former players state their opinions about tactics, players, and more. John McEnroe, one of the most famous tennis legends, has become a sports pundit. In 2016, McEnroe criticized Roger Federer for a change in strategy on how to approach a specific situation. However, this did not settle well with Patrick Hart Cash, the former Australian player, who pointed out the hypocrisy in McEnroe’s evaluation.

This isn’t the first time a tennis legend has lambasted ‘Superbrat’ for his views. Martina Navratilova once chided McEnroe. He made a sly dig at Serena Williams, and Navratilova was unhappy. While criticizing Williams, McEnroe’s comments also had sexist undertones to his remark. The Czech-American did not let this go and said he was not thinking properly. Further, she told him never to give such a comment again.

Australian legend, Pat Cash, came to the defense of Roger Federer

In one of the recent episodes of Control the Controllables podcast with Dan Kiernan, Pat Cash opened up about his career and personal life. Additionally, Cash remembered the critical views of McEnroe concerning the Swiss Maestro. The Superbrat chastised Federer for entering the baseline to receive a second serve. 

For Cash, the criticism was unfair, as he felt that it was a sound strategy. The former Australian player reasoned that it was the same thing as an underarm serve. If an opponent serves underarm, the receiver can’t complain about that.

“Why not? Why not? It’s part of a serve. I’ve never heard a player go, “Oh my God, you served an underarm serve, I wanna complain about that!” It’s an underarm serve”.

Cash also added that he loved the tactic used by Federer by going inside the baseline. He said, “I mean, I love the Federer thing that he used to come forward and take this half-volley. It’s kind of like what John McEnroe did in our day. Brilliant tactic.”

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Cash then pointed out the hypocrisy of McEnroe. The former world number 4 said McEnroe also followed a similar strategy. The 7-time Grand Slam champion was six feet inside the baseline and returning second serves as half-volleys. 

“Even McEnroe said it’s not sportsmanlike. I said, “John, you have a look at some of your old videos. You are literally six feet inside the baseline, hitting returns. It’s almost the same thing where Roger was. What do you mean it’s not sportsmanlike?” I thought it’s a brilliant idea. Federer was brilliant at that!“

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While Cash disagreed with McEnroe, he kept calm while pointing out the hypocrisy. Federer’s tactics took him to 20 grand slams. Growing up in the 90s, the mighty Federer was most likely inspired by McEnroe for this move.

Who do you side with? McEnroe or Cash?