Clare Balding apologises for potty-mouth John McEnroe live on BBC with Wimbledon legend left baffled

CLARE BALDING had to apologise for John McEnroe’s language live on TV – despite the Wimbledon legend using a very tame word.

The no-nonsense American, 64, is never afraid to share his very honest opinions in the commentary booth or in his role as a pundit.

BBC SportJohn McEnroe used a word the BBC felt they needed to apologise for[/caption]

But it seems he crossed the line with one pretty innocuous comment which earned him a public slap on the wrist while on air at Wimbledon this week. 

Balding – who has replaced Sue Barker following her retirement after 30 years presenting the Beeb’s Wimbledon coverage – asked McEnroe and fellow American tennis ace Tracy Austin how the All England Club facilities had improved over the years.

McEnroe replied: “I do wish in a certain way that we had all this sort of in our heads before, but I probably wouldn’t have done it anyway.

“Times are a lot different, players and the team around them have a better understanding of what it takes to maximise your performance. 

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“Even us old farts would love to reach our true potential.”

But that left Balding awkwardly turning to the camera.

And she felt the need to say sorry for the use of “farts”.

The presenter said: “Yes, if you heard that word I just apologise.”

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However, McEnroe was baffled that he was pulled up for it.

The three-time Wimbledon champ – who was blocked from having a hit with great rival Bjorn Borg on Centre Court – replied: “It’s OK to say that, isn’t it?”

But a flustered Balding responded: “I think so. I’m not sure, but just in case.”

Earlier in the week, Balding had to give McEnroe a ticking off for a cheeky sex joke – as the host and Tim Henman described the overcast conditions as ideal for “swing” bowlers in cricket.

Quick-witted Mac quipped: “Are the swingers the ones who don’t throw it as hard? 

“Is that what swingers are? We have different definitions in the States!”

McEnroe also hit the headlines for his bold choice of outfit on screen in SW19 – going totally against the club’s dress code policy. 

Clare Balding is fronting the coverage following Sue Barker’s exitRex