Tennis Fans Slam John McEnroe Over Alexander Zverev vs. Lorenzo Sonego Commentary at US Open

Alexander Zverev's US Open run is hanging by a thread, with the match against Lorenzo Sonego stretching past 1 a.m. at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The top seed took the opening set 6-4, but Sonego turned the match around with a 6-3, 7-6 comeback in the next two sets. Zverev managed to force a decider by taking the fourth set, and now leads 5-4 while serving for the match.

But Sonego is no stranger to pulling off the unexpected. The Italian, who has reached a career-high No. 21 ranking, made the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2025 after beating Stan Wawrinka, Joao Fonseca and Learner Tien. He also owns one of the more unusual upsets in recent tennis history, becoming the first lucky loser to defeat a reigning world No. 1 when he stunned Novak Djokovic 6-2, 6-1 at the 2020 Vienna Open. Sonego has since added two Davis Cup titles with Italy to his résumé.

Advertisement

But four-time US Open champion John McEnroe appeared to overlook Sonego's credentials during the match.

"Sonego, not very well known. But he's competing well," McEnroe said on the broadcast.

The US Open always brings the drama, both on court and in the booth. Subscribe for more interesting stories.

The remark quickly caught the attention of fans, especially given Sonego's history of making deep runs and pulling off major upsets.

John McEnroe's commentary quickly becomes a fan favorite, but for all the wrong reasons

The internet chatter has largely moved away from the game and now targets the ESPN broadcast booth, where McEnroe's words have become a hot topic.

Advertisement

"Let's turn @espn's coverage of the @usopen into a drinking game. Take a shot every time John McEnroe mispronounces Zverev's name," one fan wrote.

It was one of several posts venting frustration at the veteran commentator's presence during a match already testing viewers' patience at this hour.

"The GOOD news if Zverev loses tonight is that we won't have to listen to John McEnroe mispronounce his name 629299 times a match," another fan wrote.

"John McEnroe has not stopped talking for the 7 minutes this matches has started," one viewer posted just a few minutes into the match, while another went further stating, "@espn I will never watch another tennis match that John McEnroe is calling. HE NEVER STOPS TALKING. Any thought he has he says and it never ends ITS BEEN 40 YEARS. Please no more #JohnMcEnroe."

Advertisement

"It's like John McEnroe forgets we're even here and just rambles!! I can't take it!! If he's not gonna retire can they AT LEAST move him to daytime matches?!? #USOpen," one fan wrote, floating a scheduling fix rather than a retirement.

McEnroe's comments have now given fans another reason to question his presence in the broadcast booth. From repeatedly mispronouncing Zverev's name to appearing to downplay Sonego's credentials, the four-time US Open champion has drawn plenty of frustration from viewers. Regardless, commentary is one thing every fan tunes in for, and a slip from a high-profile commentator is bound to attract frustration among fans.

Trending Articles

"She's Not Breaking Any Rules": Naomi Osaka Defended By Journalist After Criticism For US Open Outfit

Corentin Moutet's US Open Retirement Takes Bizarre Turn as Umpire Challenges His Request

US Open Breaks Record Since 2022 With Sharp Drop In Prices Due To Weather

Frances Tiafoe Sets Rare Record At US Open After Tough Round One Win

Tennis Insider Slams US Open Scheduling as Paula Badosa, Iva Jovic & Others' Matches Halt Amid Chaos

Click here to read article