John McEnroe claims Australian Open bosses are ripping players off with huge change to tournament that's just a 'money grab'

Matches at the Aussie Open have previously gone until as late as 4am Officials have responded by adding an extra day to the tournament McEnroe does not believe the move will stop late night finishes 

Tennis legend John McEnroe has dismissed the idea that extending the Australian Open schedule by a day is a measure aimed at player welfare, labelling it nothing more than a ‘money grab’.

Open director and Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley declared in October that the 2024 grand slam would commence a day earlier than usual, on January 14, making it a 15-day event for the first time.

The adjustment means the tournament will span three weekends for the first time ever.

The decision was informed by data indicating matches are now longer, which heightens the risk of games extending into the early morning hours at Melbourne Park.

Tiley stated that the additional day in the schedule would alleviate stress on both players and spectators, following complaints about late-night starts and 4am finishes in recent years.

‘We’ve listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts,’ he said.

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley has applauded the move to add an extra day to the Open, hoping it will help reduce the number of late night matches

Plenty of young fans will be at Melbourne Park to see the world’s best, although previously matches have been played until as late as 4am

Veteran commentator and Grand Slam winner John McEnroe (pictured with Michaeline DeJoria) is not impressed by the move and does not believe it will stop late night matches

However, McEnroe, who is in Australia to provide commentary for this year’s Open on ESPN, is unconvinced.

He contends that tournament organisers have merely discovered a new revenue stream, as the additional day of play will generate more television income and ticket sales.

‘First of all, it’s a money grab as far as I’m concerned,’ McEnroe said on ESPN.

‘They just found another way to make some money. I don’t agree with it. I’m a commentator. No one’s particularly concerned about my feelings.

‘The players, if they accept it and they’re getting something from it, like some money for their pensions or retirement for some players that don’t have insurance, I would say that’s a good thing that they have added an extra day.

‘I don’t think that has happened [players getting more money], just like it didn’t happen at the French Open. I completely disagree with it.

‘That’s probably me being selfish that I have to be away from home an extra day or two.’

Andy Murray and local hope Thanasi Kokkinakis played out a five-set Australian Open epic last that left many fans furious when it went until 4am

It is not only the fans who suffer: 10-time champion Novak Djokovic said players are put out of their rhythm by the late finishes

In 2023, Andy Murray labelled the Open schedule a ‘mockery’ after his match with Thanasi Kokkinakis after it did not conclude until 4.05am, having commenced at 10pm the previous night.

Murray voiced concerns over the exploitation of unpaid ballkids who were compelled to work during late-night matches.

‘If my child was a ball kid for a tournament, they’re coming home at 5am in the morning, as a parent, I’m snapping at that,’ Murray said.

‘It’s not beneficial for them. It’s not beneficial for the umpires, the officials. I don’t think it’s amazing for the fans. It’s not good for the players.’

Novak Djokovic also expressed his discontent over the late match conclusions, stating that it significantly disrupts the players’ rhythm throughout the tournament.