Becker Criticizes Rules That Led to McEnroe Expulsion

Boris Becker today criticized the rules that led to John McEnroe’s being thrown out of the Australian Open.

Becker said he felt McEnroe was unlucky to be defaulted during his fourth-round match Sunday against Mikael Pernfors of Sweden.

“Definitely Mac said a few things that weren’t right, but I think the rules are wrong,” Becker said. “If you’re out there in the heat for four hours, it’s not easy to keep your cool.

“Probably in five years if we say one word, they’re going to default us. Tennis has to be careful.”

Becker added that the game needed to hang on to characters like McEnroe.

“Not everyone is like a computer. Tennis is more than that. It is about excitement.

“Sure you can’t say what he said to the umpire, but there should be a different penalty than taking him off the match.”

Other players criticize McEnroe. C2.