John McEnroe
Biography
With a total of 17 Grand Slam singles wins, John McEnroe was named champion in singles, doubles and mixed doubles of the U.S. Open, French Open and Wimbledon. His fierce temper on the court was as lively as his tennis. Known for his ability to adjust his style and tactics instantaneously to thwart his components’ strategies, the left-handed McEnroe’s timing in the game was impeccable and continually strengthened over time.
As McEnroe played with his heart on his sleeve, he was often expected, admired and sometimes chastised for enthusiastically displaying the emotions both felt by him and his supporters. Aside from his playing, his temperament ultimately has kept his personality known and present even beyond his last Grand Slam win.
Currently, McEnroe plays for charity matches with World TeamTennis in addition to top-level doubles competitions. He also serves as a sports commentator for a variety of networks, oversees the John McEnroe Gallery New York City and had founded and is involved in The John and Patty McEnroe Foundation.
Career Highlights
| 1977 | French Open Mixed Doubles champion with Mary Carillo |
| 1978 | Enrolled in Stanford University and won the NCAA singles and team titles |
| 1979 | First U.S. Open single championship; youngest winner in 31 years |
| 1980 | Plays and loses his first Wimbledon game, a match in which his competition with Björn Borg launched a historic rivalry between the two; Borg won |
| 1981 | First Wimbledon championship, defeating Borg |
| 1999 | Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame |
| 2002 | Published an autobiography (with co-author James Kaplan) entitled You Cannot Be Serious |
| 2006 | Became the oldest male player to win a top-level title in 30 years |
