MAD MAC MELLOWS
JOHN MCENROE:
The ex-Superbrat, here to play next month, serves up tennis Q&A.
Two marriages, fatherhood (six children) and advancing years can change a man’s perspective, and tennis star turned commentator John McEnroe is no different.
In his glory days as both hero and hellion, he was known as Superbrat and Mad Mac, blistering chair umpires and TV technicians alike in infantile displays of anger and ego.
Now 56, the winner of seven Grand Slam titles has turned introspective, self-deprecating, even mellow at times (although he did throw his racket in a Japanese tsunami charity match against Kei Nishikori two years ago, more for theatrics than by flipping out).
McEnroe admits he would have been a “15 per cent better player” had he channelled that wasted energy and boorishness in a more positive direction.
“My problem was, I felt like people were screwing me,” he tells The Sun. “That lack of trust, rightly or wrongly, got into my head.
“I was willing to tell somebody he’s terrible. He’s a human being. Odds are he’s not going to help you out down the road.”
Tennis fans who thirst to see McEnroe lose it again could be disappointed, however, when the PowerShares Series, a North American legends tour, arrives in Vancouver on May 2. The one-night event at UBC’s Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre features McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Michael Chang and Mark Philippoussis in an evening of three one-set matches.
PowerShares is the first series to use electronic line-calling — The Hawk-Eye Officiating System — exclusively. Q What do you think of an eye in the sky limiting your ability to argue?
A One of the shortcomings in our sport is that we’ve done little to change things. I see this as a harbinger of things to come. I firmly believe it would add more excitement at the main (ATP) tour level. The game would have a more manoa-mano feeling.
Q How has your approach to tennis changed since you’ve reached middle age?
A If you had told me, in my 20s, I’d been playing in a legends tour in 30 years’ time, I’d say you’re crazy. But it’s a platform that’s allowed me to keep my head in the game and see it in different ways. I try to position myself to enjoy it as much as possible. If I go out and lay an egg, I don’t feel good about it. But I’m better at getting over frustrations and moving on. I’m not in the middle of a tor- nado, trying to be the best player in the world.
Q Roger Federer, at 33, is still trying to be that guy (he’s the world No. 2) at the age you retired. What do you think of his staying power?
A If you look at the top four guys of all time — (Rafael) Nadal, Federer, (Pete) Sampras and ( Rod) Laver, my idol — Roger is at least among the two greatest ever. He’s obviously the most beautiful player. He’s able to translate his love of the game more capably than I did, positively, without the level of anger I had.
Q Most athletes are subject to the cruelty of the calendar. Who do you see among the younger vanguard capable of winning Grand Slams one day?
A I like ( Nick) Kyrgios ( of Australia). He’s still 19. With that potential and personality, he’d be a great boost for the sport. (Grigor) Dimitrov has made progress. Then there’s Milos (Raonic). That serve is so big. It’s one of the greatest ever. You can make arguments for all three. But (Novak) Djokovic doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. He’s still young (at 27).
Q Wayne Gretzky describes you and Michael Jordan as “two of the strongest athletes I’ve ever met, mentally, in my life.” How tough is Gretz on the tennis court?
A He’s out on the golf course a lot more, but he’s got a great feel for the game. Wayne is good for a celebrity tennis player. He’s one of those guys who, if he put his mind to it, could pretty much be good at anything.