Tennis legend John McEnroe believes the sport's officials are wrong for tightening its on-court misconduct rules

• The ATP is introducing stricter punishments for on-court misconduct.
• John McEnroe doesn't back the organization's decision, saying players need to "express themselves."

Tennis legend John McEnroe won't argue for the sport's officials to tighten its on-court misconduct rules, insisting instead that players "should be able to express themselves."

Earlier this month, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi sent a letter to players saying that, effectively immediately, the organization was introducing stricter punishments for those who break the tour's Code of Conduct.

Gaudenzi also said that the ATP would be reviewing its Code to "ensure that it provides appropriate and up-to-date penalties for serious violations and repeat offenders."

The Italian chief's note came after a series of high-profile outbursts from players on the court.

German Alexander Zverev was thrown out of the Mexican Open in February and given an eight-week ban after attacking an umpire's chair with his racket.

In March, Australian Nick Kyrgios was then fined a collective $60,000 for smashing his racket at two separate tournaments – first at Indian Wells and then at the Miami Open.

Speaking to Insider, McEnroe said that despite the recent spate of bad behavior and worry from other former players, there is no need for drastic action by the Tour.

"You're asking the wrong guy if you're going to ask me to say that we should tighten up the rules," said the seven-time Grand Slam winner.

"You don't want to see players miserable out there. You want to see them out there enjoying what they're doing, and that's part of the joy of being a fan.

"Zverev went over the line and almost hit a guy with a racket, that's a different thing than throwing your racket. To me, you can throw your racket, and if you get fined then that's your business. It's a frustrating game."

Once dubbed "Superbrat" by the media, McEnroe had a penchant for on-court outbursts throughout his career, often smashing rackets and arguing with both umpires and opponents. His most famous tirade came at Wimbledon in 1981, when he yelled, "You cannot be serious!" at an umpire while disputing a line call.

The phrase has since become the most famous in tennis history and has been widely referenced in pop culture.

Asked by Insider if he had any advice for current or up-and-coming players when it comes to controlling their emotions on the court, McEnroe deflected, saying that is "one of the toughest things" for any player to accomplish.

"It's definitely an issue that's going to be ongoing," he said. "It's been there for a long time, but it's never going to go away, especially with the amount of money that's in the game now, in all sports. It's a huge issue."