John McEnroe has been condemned by BBC viewers over a comment he made about British tennis player Emma Raducanu after she withdrew from Wimbledon on Monday night.
The 18-year old, who has just finished her A-Levels, took on Ajla Tomljanović in the fourth round after exciting fans with her performances in the early stages or this year's event.
Emma, ranked 336th in the world going into Wimbledon 2021, was always going to be the outsider in the tie against her Australian rival, but showed great promise and determination as she narrowly missed out in the first set from 6-4.
READ MORE: Piers Morgan backs McEnroe in Emma Raducanu row
Unfortunately for Emma, who looked to be struggling as things went on, Tomljanović got the upper hand in the second and raced to a 3-0 lead before a break was called.
There was then a blow for fans in Court No.1, those watching outside and at home when Emma didn't return to court and it was revealed she had withdrawn after receiving medical attention, with her seen clutching her stomach while taking a breather.
It has since since been confirmed her withdrawal was down to 'breathing difficulties.'
However, discussing her withdrawal, famous American pro McEnroe appeared to suggest he believed it wasn't down to an medical issue, saying: "I feel bad for Emma.
"It appears it got a bit too much which is understandable, particularly what we’ve been talking about this last six weeks with (Naomi) Osaka.
"How much can players handle? It makes you look at the guys who have been around, and the girls, how well they can handle it."
Talking about his own experiences, the former tennis champion turned commentator, added: "'You were so bad on the court, you used to misbehave'. But yes, I was the norm.
"These guys who can keep their composure, and the girls out there, are amazing.
"We have to appreciate the players who are able to do it so well and hopefully she will learn from her experience."
McEnroe, who joined host Clare Balding for the BBC 's coverage, was immediately lambasted by viewers tuning in at home, with scores flocking to Twitter to complain.
One posted: "Switched off at John McEnroe's comments - an absolute disgrace and completely unnecessary. Incredible tournament from Emma Raducanu and best wishes for a speedy recovery"
Taking things further, another tweeted: "John McEnroe’s comments tonight towards Emma Raducanu were incredibly inappropriate, declaring it was just “nerves” that caused her to retire the match, not injury. She was clearly in pain and something was wrong. I don’t believe this would’ve been said about a male player.
Echoing those sentiments, a third reacted: "did John McEnroe get out of the wrong side of the bed in the 1950s? His comments about Emma Radacanu were so patronising... Presuming it was young girly nerves as opposed to an injury with no substance to base it on."
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