John McEnroe 'ready to strangle someone' over Wimbledon fashion choice

John McEnroe expressed his confusion over British hopeful Jack Draper's choice to wear a hat during his first-round Wimbledon match against Sebastian Baez.

The American tennis legend, who has already called for one star to retire immediately and raised alarm bells over conditions, humorously remarking that he was "ready to strangle someone" when he faced similar choices in his own career.

The UK's top player, Draper, entered the SW19 arena as the fourth seed amidst high expectations, with some fans touting him as Andy Murray's successor.

• 'I just beat Coco Gauff in huge Wimbledon upset - I was really on fire'
• Wimbledon star had 'little accident' because she was nervous before first match

While commentating for the BBC, McEnroe praised Draper's potential for Grand Slam success but questioned the 23 year old's decision to sport a cap on Centre Court.

Despite the traditional all-white Wimbledon attire, McEnroe suggested that wearing a hat in such sweltering conditions could hinder performance.

With temperatures hitting a scorching 93 Fahrenheit at the All England Club, marking the hottest day of the year in the UK, McEnroe shared a light-hearted anecdote about his own experience with headwear during his playing days, indicating it only made him feel hotter.

"I like hats but when I played the brim would get in my eyesight and it felt like I was getting hotter, I was already hot enough to start, I didn't need to get hotter," McEnroe commented. "I was ready to strangle someone in the warm-up. To each his own."

Additionally, McEnroe playfully warned his fellow commentator Simon Reed that he might land them both in hot water with the BBC for their candid remarks during the match coverage.

DON'T MISS: 

Carlos Alcaraz sent message by ill Wimbledon fan's daughter
Taylor Fritz's marathon match took its toll on his influencer girlfriend
World's richest tennis player crashes out of Wimbledon in just 58 minutes

Draper breezed through his opening set with a commanding 6-2 score, prompting Reed to comment that it seemed "like a practice match."

John McEnroe interjected, reminding Reed: "I don't think the All England Club will be too happy with you saying this first-round match on Court 1 is practice". The commentators shared a laugh as Reed concluded the banter with McEnroe by saying, "You know what I mean."

Draper swiftly secured the first set in a mere 28 minutes, marking an assertive victory over his world No. 38 rival, who withdrew during the third set after witnessing his draw section become more favorable due to Alexander Bublik's unexpected loss.

With the potential challenge of defeating top players like Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz, Draper aims to emulate Andy Murray's success and clinch his home major, a feat McEnroe believes is within reach.

McEnroe expressed his admiration for Draper's improved agility before the game began, stating: "I'm most impressed with how Jack Draper is moving in the last year or so and how much of a factor that is in his rise to number four in the world,".

He continued to praise Draper, "Jack Draper is the fourth favourite to win this tournament. He has got himself incredibly fit. This is a good first-round opponent to play and he will hope to get off the court quickly."

McEnroe also touched on the mental aspect of the game, saying, "He could win a major for the first time in his life, this is about dealing with the nerves. That's pressure but it's also a pretty cool feeling."