John McEnroe abruptly walks out of BBC Wimbledon commentary 'never to return'

TENNIS legend John McEnroe abruptly walked out of the BBC commentary booth midway through a match at Wimbledon this week.

The American, 67, was watching British hopeful Arthur Fery play against veteran Grigor Dimitrov on Centre Court on Monday.

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He was commentating alongside broadcaster Andrew Cotter and former British No 1 Tim Henman.

But McEnroe was forced to dash over to Court No 1 to watch US star Taylor Fritz play Alexander Bublik.

He said he had “contractual obligations” to cover the Round of 16 match.

But Cotter joked that McEnroe was “never to return” after switching courts.

It came after Linda Noskova’s straight-sets victory over Madison Keys on Court 1, with Fritz vs Bublik up next.

Cotter said: “I think we’re going to have to bid farewell at this point.

“John McEnroe to take a break, never to return.”

McEnroe added: “Well, hopefully I’ll return but I’ve got contractual obligations to do the lone American in the draw, Taylor Fritz.

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“He’s maybe the slight favourite to get to the final on this half.

“I’m sure Bublik, Zverev and others may have a say about that. You guys call a great rest of the match.”

Fery ended up clinching a five-set epic against Dimitrov, winning 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6.

That booked the 23-year-old a quarter-final tie against Italian star Flavio Cobolli.

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Meanwhile, McEnroe watched as Fritz secured a straight-sets victory over Bublik, winning 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Fritz will now play second seed Alexander Zverev on Court 1 on Wednesday afternoon.

McEnroe won seven Grand Slams as a player, including three Wimbledon titles in the 1980s.

He was a controversial player on the court after a string of outbursts and became known for his iconic saying: “You cannot be serious.”

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