John McEnroe, a former world number one American professional tennis player, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. With a remarkable record of 17 ‘Grand Slam’ titles and numerous other achievements, McEnroe’s dominance on the tennis court is matched only by his charismatic personality. Despite his confrontational behavior, he remains a legendary figure in the sport and has since transitioned into a successful career as a television commentator and host.
Quick Facts
- Nick Name: SuperBrat
- Also Known As: John Patrick McEnroe Jr.
- Age: 64 Years, 64 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Patty Smyth (m. 1997)
- Father: John Patrick McEnroe Sr.
- Mother: Katherine Tresham
- Siblings: Patrick McEnroe
- Children: Anna McEnroe, Ava McEnroe, Emily McEnroe, Kevin McEnroe, Sean McEnroe
- Born Country: Germany
- Quotes By John McEnroe
- Tennis Players
- Height: 5’11” (180 cm), 5’11” Males
- Ancestry: Irish American
- City: Wiesbaden, Germany
- More Facts
- Awards:
- 1981 – ITF World Champion
- 1983 – ITF World Champion
- 1984 – ITF World Champion
- 1981 – ATP player of the year
- 1983 – ATP player of the year
- 1984 – ATP player of the year
- 1978 – ATP most improved player
- 1999 – International Tennis Hall of Fame
- 2007 – Philippe Chatrier Award in – World Number 1 Male Player
Childhood & Early Life
John McEnroe was born on February 16, 1959, in Wiesbaden, West Germany. His father, John Patrick McEnroe Sr., was serving in the United States Air Force at the time, and his mother, Kay Tresham, worked as a surgical nurse. The family moved back to the US and settled in Douglaston, Queens, New York in 1960. McEnroe attended the Trinity School in New York, where he excelled in sports and displayed his sharp wit. He began playing tennis at the age of eight with his brothers Mark and Patrick at the Douglaston Club. McEnroe’s talent for tennis became evident at an early age, and he started participating in regional tournaments.
Career
At the age of twelve, McEnroe became a student at the Port Washington Tennis Academy in Long Island, New York, under the guidance of coach Harry Hopman and Mexican player Tony Palafox. However, he was suspended from the academy at sixteen due to his pranks. He then joined the Cove Racquet Club, where his coach Tony Palafox continued to work with him.
In 1977, McEnroe graduated from high school and had a series of significant events in his career. He won the French Open mixed doubles title and reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon. He received a tennis scholarship and attended Stanford University in California. In 1978, he turned professional and signed an endorsement deal with Sergio Tacchini. He won five titles that year, including his first ATP World Tour Finals.
McEnroe was a player on the US Davis Cup team from 1978 to 1992, helping the team secure the cup in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, and 1992. He also achieved success in doubles, winning multiple Grand Slam titles with his partner Peter Fleming and later with Mark Woodforde and Michael Stich. In singles, he won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 1979 and went on to win multiple US Open and Wimbledon titles.
In 1980, McEnroe became the World No. 1 ranked singles player. He had memorable matches against Björn Borg at Wimbledon, winning his first Wimbledon title in 1981. He continued to have success in the following years, winning multiple titles and remaining a top-ranked player.
After retiring from the professional tour in 1992, McEnroe continued to be involved in tennis as a player on the Seniors Tour and as a tennis broadcaster. He also pursued other interests, such as art and music.
Personal Life & Legacy
McEnroe has been married twice. He was first married to actress Tatum O’Neal from 1986 to 1994, with whom he has three children. In 1997, he married singer and songwriter Patty Smyth, with whom he has two daughters and a stepdaughter.
In addition to his tennis career, McEnroe has been involved in charitable causes, including the Arthur Ashe Foundation, which fights against AIDS.
Quotes
- “Think”
Humanitarian Work
McEnroe has played for many charitable causes, including the Arthur Ashe Foundation, which fights against AIDS.