Introduction:
John McEnroe is a former professional tennis player, known for his skill, agility, and his unique personality both on and off the court. His career spanned from the late 1970s to the early 1990s and during that time, he left a lasting impact on the sport. McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles, ten Grand Slam men’s doubles titles, and made over $12 million in prize money. Despite his impressive resume, there are several surprising facts you may not know about this tennis legend. In this post, we’ll discuss seven of them in an engaging storytelling approach.
1. He Wanted to be a Musician
As a child, John McEnroe loved playing the guitar and had aspirations of becoming a musician. He even formed a band with his younger brother Patrick, who went on to become a successful musician. However, John found a passion for tennis and pursued it instead. Even after his tennis career was over, he continued to play the guitar and has performed at several charity events.
2. He Holds a Record that Nobody Wants
In the 1984 French Open final, McEnroe was defeated by Ivan Lendl in four sets. During that match, McEnroe lost his temper and received three code violations, resulting in him losing a point, then a game, and finally a whole set. This made him the only player in history to receive a Grand Slam disqualification because of conduct. While not a record to be proud of, it’s a testament to McEnroe’s passion and intensity on the court.
3. He Has a Sense of Humor
John McEnroe is known for his fiery temper and outbursts on the court. However, he’s also known for his humor and ability to laugh at himself. In 2003, McEnroe made a guest appearance on The Simpsons and poked fun at his own reputation. During the episode, he voices himself as a tennis commentator who gets into a shouting match with his own reflection.
4. He has a Family of Tennis Players
John McEnroe is part of a family of tennis players. His father, John Patrick McEnroe Sr. was a well-known lawyer and former tennis player, and his mother, Katherine Tresham, was a highly ranked player in the 1950s. The McEnroe family is also known for their involvement in the sport of tennis, with Patrick and John Jr. both playing professionally and Patrick going on to become a successful coach.
5. He’s an Artist
In addition to playing tennis and music, John McEnroe is also an accomplished artist. He began painting in his adolescence and has exhibited his artwork in several exhibitions, including ones at the Saatchi Gallery in London and the Nationals Museum of Serbia. McEnroe describes his paintings as abstract expressionist and has drawn inspiration from artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat.
6. He’s a Tennis Commentator
Since retiring from tennis, McEnroe has gone on to become a successful television commentator for the sport. His commentary is known for its humor and frankness, and he’s won several awards for his work. In addition to his tennis commentary, he’s also appeared as a commentator for other sports such as basketball and football.
7. He’s an Advocate for Children’s Rights
John McEnroe is a strong advocate for children’s rights and has been involved in several charities that support children. He’s worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. In 1993, he founded the Johnny Mac Tennis Project, which provides tennis coaching for underprivileged children in his hometown of New York City.
FAQs:
1. Was John McEnroe ever the world number one ranked tennis player?
Yes, John McEnroe was the world number one ranked tennis player for a total of 170 weeks between the years 1980 to 1985.
2. Did John McEnroe ever win a Grand Slam in doubles?
Yes, John McEnroe won a total of 10 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles throughout his career.
3. Is John McEnroe still involved with tennis today?
Yes, John McEnroe is still involved with tennis today as a television commentator and through the Johnny Mac Tennis Project.
4. Did John McEnroe have any on-court rivalries?
Yes, John McEnroe had several on-court rivalries, most famously with Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors.
5. How many children does John McEnroe have?
John McEnroe has six children, four of whom are with his current wife, musician Patty Smyth.
6. Where has John McEnroe exhibited his artwork?
John McEnroe has exhibited his artwork at several galleries, including the Saatchi Gallery in London and the Nationals Museum of Serbia.
7. What inspired John McEnroe’s interest in children’s rights?
John McEnroe’s involvement in children’s rights charities was inspired by his own experiences as a father and his desire to help underprivileged children in his hometown of New York City.
Conclusion:
John McEnroe is a multi-talented individual, with talents ranging from tennis to music and art. He’s also a passionate advocate for children’s rights, a successful television commentator, and part of a tennis family dynasty. While known for his on-court antics, McEnroe’s numerous off-court accomplishments make him a true legend of the sport. We hope these surprising facts have shed some light on this tennis icon, and perhaps even inspired you to pick up a racket and hit the court.