“Replace that old fungus” John McEnroe blasted on social media for racist comments on Chinese player Jerry Chang during the Australian Open 2023
The former World No.1 was blasted by fans for his controversial comment about Juncheng Shang
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John McEnroe and Jerry Shang
John McEnroe was roundly criticized after he made controversial remarks about Chinese player Juncheng ‘Jerry’ Shang’s name. The former World No.1 said,” What is this Chinese guy’s name? Jerry? How did they come up with Jerry? Is he the only guy from China named Jerry? Did his parents watch Tom and Jerry?”
These comments were made during ESPN’s broadcast of the Australian Open. The popular cartoon is coincidently the inspiration behind Juncheng Shang’s nickname. But fans were quick to point out that it was unlikely McEnroe knew that. One fan reacted by saying,”Wow. There’s being politically incorrect, and there’s just being bloody rude. McEnroe is the latter.” Another blasted McEnroe saying,”yes Mac, it’s because his parents were huge Tom and Jerry fans. What an ignorant, insensitive and racist comment.”
“I got physically sick after reading this quote, McEnroe’s so ignorant,” another commented. ESPN was also the aim of criticism as fans asked the broadcaster to change their commentary team. “ESPN needs a complete overhaul to their tennis coverage,” a fan said. Shang was defended by fans in numbers. The 17-year-old himself was not too bothered by the comment as he has not responded to it.
But Shang has had his say on the court. He became the first Chinese player to win a match in the main draw of a Grand Slam. The player won his first-round clash against German Oscar Otte in four sets to achieve the feat.
Jerry Shang wins the praise of Frances Tiafoe
Shang faced American Frances Tiafoe in the second round of the Australian Open. He lost 6-4,6-4,6-1 to Tiafoe but was very competitive throughout the match. And Tiafoe was complimentary of his opponent after the game.
“I played an unbelievable player,” Tiafoe said. “He’s going to be an unbelievable player, he already is a really good player. It’s tough playing someone that young. You know they’re coming for you, but I thought I did a good job.” The praise was warranted. Shang has had an unbelievable start to the year for someone so young. He won his three qualifiers to advance to the first round. Then he won the the main draw clash.
Jerry Shang is the future of the ATP tour with a terrific serve and a brilliant forearm. The praise from Tiafoe will have only boosted his confidence. Fans will keep a close eye on the Chinese player from now.
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)