Balding apologises on BBC Wimbledon coverage because of McEnroe ‘fart’ comment
Highlights from day nine at Wimbledon
BBC Wimbledon host Clare Balding interrupted coverage of the tournament on Wednesday to apologise for an on-air comment made by John McEnroe as the American highlighted the technological differences between eras in tennis. The pair were joined by Tracy Austin to begin the programme on BBC One and Balding felt compelled to extend her apologies “just in case” anyone was offended by McEnroe’s comments.
Balding was unaware of whether McEnroe describing himself and fellow ex-professionals as “old farts” was something that she needed to apologise for on the Beeb, but did so anyway. The BBC cameras panned to Ons Jabeur preparing for her quarter-final with Elena Rybakina as she was making use of all the technology available in the modern day.
McEnroe and Austin were discussing how preparation has changed since they were on the Wimbledon stage, as current tennis stars often have a team of backroom staff, coaches, physios and more in order to put them in the best possible position to perform at Grand Slams.
“I do wish in a certain way that we had all this in our heads before,” McEnroe said. “But I probably wouldn’t have done it anyway. No, I think that times are a lot different and players have a better understanding of the team around them and what it takes to maximise your performance. Even us old… farts would love to reach our true potential.”
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Balding then turned to the camera after acknowledging McEnroe saying “old farts” on the BBC, as she spoke to the audience and said: “Yes, if you heard that word I apologise.”
McEnroe was perplexed by Balding’s reaction as he responded by saying: “It’s okay to say that isn’t it?” To which Balding replied: “Well I think so, I am not sure but just in case.”
It is not the first time this tournament that Balding has been forced to tell off her American colleague, as during Jabeur’s 6-0, 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Monday she was analysing the weather before McEnroe joined in with a “swingers” joke.
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“Ons Jabeur is looking up at the sky above, wondering if it’s going to rain,” Balding said. “I think the answer is no. But it is overcast. It’s one of those days that would see a bit of swing on the ball in cricket.”
British tennis icon Tim Henman added that it was “good conditions for seamers” before McEnroe said: “Are the swingers the ones who don’t throw it as hard [in cricket]? Is that what swingers are? We have different definitions in the States!”
The pundits were left in stitches at the American’s comment, before Balding made sure to reply: “We’re talking about something completely different, John! It’s not a channel for that sort of talk.”
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