Former player John McEnroe criticized a $65,000 fine imposed on Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo at the French Open. McEnroe argued the penalty was excessive given Vallejo's earnings compared to top players like Naomi Osaka.
Vallejo received the fine after making remarks to chair umpire Ana Carvalho following his second-round loss to Moise Kouame. The 22-year-old had questioned whether a woman could handle the demanding crowd and suggested matches like his should be officiated by a man. McEnroe addressed the issue during TNT Sports coverage. He said Vallejo does not earn the kind of money that Osaka does and described the fine as absurd, suggesting amounts of $5,000 or $10,000 would be more appropriate. Vallejo earned approximately $151,000 for reaching the second round but will lose about 43 percent of that sum to the fine. He later apologized on social media, stating his comments were misunderstood and expressing respect for the umpire and the tournament. McEnroe has previously voiced support for female umpires in men's matches, noting they are as competent as their male counterparts.
