John McEnroe Disrupts Australian Open Commentary with ‘Depressing’ Update
John McEnroe made headlines recently during an Australian Open commentary, where he shared candid thoughts about the New York Rangers. The moment occurred while he was providing commentary for a men’s singles first-round match featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Yannick Hanfmann.
Commentary Shift from Tennis to NHL
While on the broadcast, Mike Monaco, his co-commentator, mentioned ESPN’s upcoming NHL broadcasts. This included various games but notably excluded the New York Rangers. This absence prompted McEnroe, a New York native and devoted Rangers supporter, to express his discontent.
McEnroe’s ‘Depressing’ Commentary
“Sounds like the Rangers are gonna be in sell mode,” Monaco stated, alluding to an announcement from Rangers’ general manager Chris Drury. The statement highlighted the team’s need to “retool” following a disappointing season. McEnroe quickly chimed in with his thoughts: “I saw that, that’s really depressing. What is going on with the Rangers?”
This unexpected pivot revealed McEnroe’s deep concern for the team’s performance, as he lamented their troubles instead of focusing solely on the tennis match.
Rangers’ Current Season Struggles
As of the latest week, the Rangers ranked as the sixth-worst team in the NHL and occupied the last position in their division. This marked a substantial decline for a franchise that had proudly won the Presidents’ Trophy just two years earlier.
- Current Record: 21-24-6
- Recent Performance: 1-6-1 in last eight games
- Last Stanley Cup Win: 1994
- Last Final Appearance: 2014
McEnroe expressed further disappointment when he mentioned the departure of key players. “To me, when they traded [former defenseman Jacob] Trouba, I was bummed,” he explained. Trouba had served as captain, indicating a major shift within the team structure.
Coaching Changes in NHL
The commentary also touched on the NHL’s frequent coaching changes. Monaco highlighted that the average tenure of a coach is around three years. McEnroe humorously remarked that coaches often “go somewhere else, fail up.” This insight underscored the instability within the Rangers’ organization as they navigate a challenging season.
As the conversation moved back to tennis, McEnroe left viewers with a somber reflection on his beloved Rangers amid their evident struggles on the ice.
