“Definitely Harsh”: Ajla Tomljanovic Slams John McEnroe For Harsh Comments on Emma Raducanu
Follow Us
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 3, 2021 Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in action during her third round match against Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko REUTERS/Paul Childs
After a break on Sunday, the 2021 Wimbledon Championship returned to action live last evening and in incredible fashion. However, while the fans enjoyed the power-packed performances they witnessed, it wasn’t the best outing for a few. Former Tennis star and BBC commentator, John McEnroe, was at the receiving end of backlash for his insensitive comments over a rather upsetting game.
In the fourth round of the tournament, Britain’s homegirl, Emma Raducanu, took on Australia’s, Ajla Tomljanovic. While the game was off to a pacey start, Emma retired midway into the second set, following complications with her health.
Uncertain at first, doctors later confirmed that she was experiencing stomach cramps and was hyperventilating; eventually, she withdrew due to breathing issues.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 3, 2021 Britain’s Emma Raducanu reacts during her third round match against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
However, as a devastated Emma walked off the court, McEnroe sympathized with the 18-year-old, while also suggesting that her inability to cope with the pressure of the game might have been the real reason for her withdrawal.
Following his comments, Emma’s counterpart, Ajla, was quick to speak in favour of her opponent.
Full answers from Ajla Tomljanovic, hard to read too much into this either way but just for full picture… pic.twitter.com/2sARwcHMor
— George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) July 5, 2021
“I almost felt worse about it”- Ajla Tomljanovic
Post-match, McEnroe claimed that Emma’s withdrawal was less of a health concern and was more to do with the anxiety and pressure of being in the fourth round.
With that, he drew connections to World No. 1, Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open last month. “I feel bad for Emma, obviously,” said McEnroe. “It appears it just got a little bit too much, as is understandable, particularly with what we’ve been talking about this over the last six weeks with Osaka not even here.”
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 3, 2021 Britain’s Emma Raducanu in action during her third round match against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
He also went on to say that this is a learning curve for the 18-year-old, and she should probably learn from her counterparts. “How much can players handle? It makes you look at the guys that have been around and the girls for so long – how well they can handle it. Hopefully, she’ll learn from this experience,” he added.
“Always Helped Me”: Matteo Berrettini on Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone’s Influence on His Tennis
The Australian that faced Emma empathized with her following her shock retirement from the game. Even when unclear of her reasoning, she backed the 18-year-old against McEnroe’s comments.
John also claimed that Emma was down and out, losing the match, and hence, decided to withdraw. “For him to say that, is absolutely harsh. I have experienced similar, but not to that extent. I have spoken to athletes that have gone through that. It’s not easy,” she said, coming to the youngster’s aid.
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 10, 2021 Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in action during her second round match against Romania’s Simona Halep REUTERS/Kelly Defina
Ajla Tomljanovic progresses onto the next round
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Mcenroe’s comments stirred a huge debate amongst fans and followers, most feeling absolutely furious. Not only were they insensitive but also ignorant of Emma’s health, belittling her journey so far and her potential to go further.
After Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal last month, fans understand how overwhelming the media can be. Mcenroe and his comments were the perfect examples of what the World No.1 was talking about. However, watching her counterpart come to her aid is everything this game is about and everything this sport stands for.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Surely not in the manner she wanted, but Ajla Tomljanovic now enters the Quarter-finals of the 2021 Wimbledon Championship. Fans are sure to be backing her, not just for her character and sportsmanship but surely for her splendid Tennis too.
Watch this story: Wimbledon Championship 2021- Funny interviews of Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios, Andy Murray and Venus Williams
Written by:
