John McEnroe has believes the Australian Open's decision to extend the tournament to 15 days is a pure "money grab" opportunity that doesn't benefit the players.
The first major of the year has changed its format for the first time in its 119-year history, stating on a Sunday instead of the usual Monday.
It follows in the footsteps of the French Open, which is the only other slam played over 15 days having added an extra day back in 2006.
Last year's Australian Open saw Andy Murray's match against Thanasi Kokkinakis played until past 4am in the morning.
Novak Djokovic will play on the new opening day
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The change to this year's schedule now sees defending champion Djokovic play late on Sunday night against teenage qualifier Dino Prizmic.
British star Jodie Burrage is also in action on the new opening day of the tournament against Germany's Tamara Korpatsch.
While some players appear to be content with the change in an attempt to limit the late-night matches, McEnroe feels there is a more cynical reason for the Australian Open's change.
“First of all, it's a money grab as far as I'm concerned,” McEnroe said on an ESPN conference call.
“They just found another way to make some money.
"I don't agree with it. I'm a commentator. No one's particularly concerned about my feelings.
"The players, if they accept it and they're getting something from it, like some money for their pensions or retirement for some players that don't have insurance, I would say that's a good thing that they have added an extra day.
“I don't think that has happened, just like it didn't happen at the French Open.
John McEnroe doesn't like the move
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"I completely disagree with it. That's probably me being selfish that I have to be away from home an extra day or two."
Murray has also spoken out on the change at the Australian Open and the former world No 1 is happy the tournament organisers are at least trying something.
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Andy Murray played long into the night at last year's Australian Open
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"We probably just need to see how it works out. It's really positive that they're trying to make a change," Murray said.
"That's the main thing, there's sort of an acceptance now that we need to do something to address it and they made changes to try to do that.
"If it doesn't, I'm sure they may move the start times... This is a good step. I think the players will be happy with it. Hopefully it works well."
