27 May 2015

French Open too long says former world number one

9:52 am on 27 May 2015

The French Open is too long and should scrap its policy of spreading the first round over three days, according to former world tennis number one John McEnroe.

With a Sunday start at Roland Garros means it was day three before defending men's champion Rafa Nadal began his quest for a 10th title while women's world number one Serena Williams was also idle for two days before taking to court.

McEnroe, now a television commentator says the French Open should not last 15 days, especially as Wimbledon requires only 13 days to complete the same amount of matches while the U.S. Open and Australian Opens are 14-day tournaments.

Former world tennis number one John McEnroe.

Former world tennis number one John McEnroe. Photo: Photosport

McEnroe also criticised the security at the event in the wake of an opening day incident when a fan walked on to court and tried to take a photo with Roger Federer.

"That was pretty lame. The court is a sanctuary for the players where the players want to feel safe and able to concentrate," he said.