"Not speaking for Roger Federer or Carlos Alcaraz" - John McEnroe urges players 'boycott' Grand Slam events; highlights need for reform

John McEnroe called for players to "boycott" some Grand Slam events, as a means to push for reforms to make tennis more accessible. In a recent interview, he stated that the high cost of playing tennis is a barrier for many individuals.

McEnroe said that for the past four decades, he has been passionate about making the sport more inclusive for those who may not have the financial means to participate.

The former World No.1 expressed that he hopes to see people from underprivileged areas, such as Harlem, the Bronx, or Queens, have the opportunity to play tennis and potentially win the US Open.

"The game is not accessible or affordable enough yet. My long goal over the last 40 years is to get the game to more people who can’t normally afford it. My dream would be someone from Harlem, The Bronx, Queens, to come and win a US Open," McEnroe said, via Tennis Gazette.

John McEnroe believes that players from all over the world need to unite in efforts to make tennis more accessible. While acknowledging that players might not always see eye to eye, he stressed the importance of prioritizing the goal of making tennis a sport that should be open to all.

"The players have an association but they don’t have a union. We need to do a lot better . Because the sport is worldwide, players are spread out all over the world and it’s tough to agree on a lot of things," he added.

McEnroe acknowledged that he cannot speak on behalf of players like Roger Federer or Carlos Alcaraz, but he believes that a "boycott" of one or two Grand Slam tournaments could send a strong message to organizers and stakeholders in demonstrating their commitment to accessibility and affordability.

"In order to get what we want, and I’m speaking for myself, I’m not speaking for Roger Federer or Carlos Alcaraz, you probably need to boycott a major or two. That’s the only way to show these guys we mean business but I don’t know if the players of today would be willing to do that," McEnroe said.

John McEnroe gives his take on Tennis: "Gotta get that coolness back, not to mention affordability, accessibility"

John McEnroe [Image Source: Getty Images]

Earlier this year, while speaking on an episode of the Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios podcast, John McEnroe expressed his gratitude for all that tennis has given him. He mentioned that the sport has provided him with everything he could have ever wished for, which in turn has motivated him to give back to the sport.

McEnroe said that his goal is to make tennis more accessible, affordable, and appealing to a wider audience.

"Sometimes it takes a lot longer to realize and appreciate what you’ve been given - that you want to give back ‘cause it’s given me a lot. You gotta get that coolness back, not to mention affordability, accessibility, which tennis isn't...This is an uphill battle. We need to do a lot more," McEnroe said.

John McEnroe most recently captained Team World at the 2024 Laver Cup, his seventh and final time leading the team. Despite his aim to secure a third consecutive title for his team, Team Europe, powered by Carlos Alcaraz's heroics, won the trophy.