John McEnroe's slap on the wrist from Clare Balding after inappropriate Wimbledon comment

Clare Balding once playfully reprimanded John McEnroe for his choice of words after he mentioned 'swingers' during the BBC's Wimbledon coverage. The American tennis icon had his fellow pundits in stitches following a cheeky quip whilst broadcasting live from the All England Club in 2023.

McEnroe formed part of the broadcaster's team alongside Tim Henman and Tracy Austin, with Balding presenting. The group were analysing the day's proceedings as Ons Jabeur and Petra Kvitova entered Centre Court for their fourth-round clash when Balding observed: "Ons Jabeur is looking up at the sky above, wondering if it's going to rain. 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." Henman added another cricketing observation: "Yep, definitely. Good conditions for the seamers!"

In cricket, overcast conditions typically favour seam bowlers, which, as you would expect, McEnroe wasn't aware of as he responded: "Are the swingers the ones who don't throw it as hard? Is that what swingers are? We have different definitions in the States!"

Fellow American Austin erupted in laughter as Balding swiftly regained command of the discussion, jokingly cautioning McEnroe by saying: "We're talking about something completely different, John! It's not a channel for that sort of talk."

In another entertaining moment on the day, McEnroe reminded former British No.1 Henman of his 1995 Wimbledon disqualification for inadvertently striking a ball girl with a tennis ball.

Two years later, McEnroe remains a beloved fixture of the BBC's Wimbledon coverage while also providing commentary for ESPN, although some viewers watching him on the American network have recently demanded his retirement, claiming he demonstrates poor knowledge and mispronounces lower-ranked players' names.

During this year's tournament, he suggested Italian veteran Fabio Fognini, 38, should hang up his racket after pushing defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to five sets in the opening round. McEnroe said: "This was the perfect ending for Fognini. Carlos looked more tired than Fognini, even though there's a 16-year age gap! What in the hell is going on here?

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"I almost hope that [Fognini] doesn't play anymore because I'm not sure he can play any better than that. I played Flavia Panetta [Fognini's wife] in seniors mixed doubles and she thinks it's time for Fabio to be at home more with the kids. I think she is ready for her husband to be home more."

During his farewell press conference, Fognini revealed his desire to speak with McEnroe before departing London. When questioned whether McEnroe's remarks influenced his decision, he said: "No. John is one of my best idol, for sure. [I] Hope to met him today. I'm here until tomorrow, so hopefully I have a chance to meet him."