John McEnroe says ‘we all learn from our mistakes’

The Wimbledon Championships 2023 officially got underway this week after much anticipation.

Many games on the tournament’s first day were suspended after a patch of bad weather — just days after the UK experienced its hottest June since records began.

Britain is guaranteed to have at least one homegrown star make their way through to the next round in the men’s singles after wildcard entrant Ryan Peniston was pitted against Andy Murray, the pair playing at 2:45 on Tuesday, 4 July.

Wimbledon wouldn’t be what it is without its stellar lineup of commentators, which in recent years has included the candid and forthright John McEnroe, the American former world No 1 who mopped up across several championships in the Seventies and Eighties.

Outspoken to the core, McEnroe made waves a few years ago after he took direct aim at the British Royal Family and its place at the historic championships.

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McEnroe is known just as well for his tennis as he was for his on-court antics, often throwing his racket in response to decisions made against him, with his famous catchphrase, ‘You cannot be serious!’ becoming something of a brand.

In his 2017 book, ‘But Seriously’, he writes about his frustration with the Wimbledon protocol that requires those present to bow and curtsy the Royal Box.

The box hosts some of the games’ most exclusive guests, including members of the Royal Family.

He said that the players were the ones providing entertainment and talent, and so should be the people who receive respect and appreciation from attendees.

“As for all the bowing and curtsying ‒ and we’re not just talking about the Queen here, we’re talking about some pretty minor royals ‒what was all that about?” McEnroe wrote.

“This was the class system gone mad, the opposite of a meritocracy, where hard work is rewarded and people are respected because they’ve actually done something, not because they’ve been born on the right side of the tracks.

“Who were the performers here? The players, right?

“So why were they bowing to someone else when they were about to provide the entertainment?

“Those people in the Royal Box should think about bowing to them.”

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Kate, Princess of Wales, as well as a handful of other senior Firm members, are regulars at Wimbledon.

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Kate is in fact the royal patron of the All England Club and is often seen participating in events and meet and greets with tennis stars.

Edward was formerly President of the club, having held the role for 50 years from 1969, but relinquished the title in 2021.

He presented the trophy a whopping 350 times to players, from Rod Laver and Ann Jones to Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

In 2003, he is said to have broken off the tradition of curtsying to the royal box unless the late Queen Elizabeth II or then Prince Charles was present.

Those seated in the Royal Box have been invited to do so by the All England Club and don’t only include members of the Royal Family.

Heads of government, tennis celebrities, and A-listers have all frequented the exclusive area.

The guests are usually invited to the Clubhouse for a lunch of their choice, as well as tea and drink at the end of the day.

All of the rules of Wimbledon are observed throughout the post-game activities: guests must dress in smart attire, a suit of jacket, plus a tie for men, while women are asked not to wear hats as in other similar events so as not to block the view of spectators.

On Tuesday, Kate was spotted on Court 18 watching Katie Boutler, the British tennis player whose first-round match against Australian Daria Saville was suspended.

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