As the US Open commences this week from Flushing, N.Y., ESPN’s lead tennis analyst will not be on site. John McEnroe, one of the most accomplished tennis players of all time, is missing the early stages of the tournament after testing positive for coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease. Although the World Health Organization declared an end to its public health emergency in May, the virus continues to circulate, with case numbers recently increasing presumably due to the emergence of additional, highly-mutated variants and their progeny.
“Unfortunately, after feeling a bit under the weather, I tested positive for COVID,” McEnroe said in a statement. “I’m watching the US Open from home and can’t wait to get back to work soon.”
McEnroe has a storied history at the US Open, with the tournament representing the place where he captured four of his seven Grand Slam singles titles. He was showcased on the network’s first ever tennis telecast in 1979 at the Davis Cup and works with his brother, Patrick, on the tennis coverage. John defeated Patrick to win his 77th and final singles title of his career in 1991, ending his illustrious tennis career and going out as one of the greatest of all time.
When ESPN covered the tournament for the first time in 2009, he joined the network and shortly thereafter began contributing to its exclusive Wimbledon Championships coverage in 2012. The network added that it wishes the analyst well and looks forward to welcoming him back on the broadcast when he is ready.
The US Open ends on Sunday, Sept. 10 with the men’s singles final and has already included enthralling action. Women’s tennis champion Billie Jean King and former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama participated in a ceremony from Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night celebrating 50 years of equal pay for men and women in the tournament.
