John McEnroe

John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles – three at Wimbledon and four at the US Open. He is well remembered for his shot-making artistry, for his series of classic encounters with Björn Borg, for his fiery on-court temperament (which frequently got him into trouble), and for the catchphrase "You cannot be serious!".

After retirement from the tour

McEnroe was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1999.

Related Topics:
International Tennis Hall of Fame - Newport, Rhode Island - 1999

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He took on the role of US Davis Cup captain in September 1999, but was not especially successful. His team barely escaped defeat in their first two outings in 2000, beating Zimbabwe and the Czech Republic in tight 3-2 encounters. They were then defeated 5-0 by Spain in the semi-finals. McEnroe resigned in November 2000 after 14 months as captain, citing frustration with the Davis Cup schedule and format as two of his primary reasons. His brother Patrick McEnroe took over the job.

Related Topics:
2000 - Zimbabwe - Czech Republic - Spain - Patrick McEnroe

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McEnroe now fills his time by playing on the senior tour and being a TV commentator at major tournaments. He is always the star turn for the BBC during their extensive coverage at Wimbledon and, after initial spells of cynicism at the UK's great hope Tim Henman's chances of winning the men's title, he has become one of the British player's biggest fans.

Related Topics:
BBC - Tim Henman

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In July 2004, McEnroe began a CNBC talk show, simply entitled McEnroe. However the show was not successful, twice earning a 0.0 Nielsen rating, and was cancelled within five months. He also hosted quiz show The Chair in both the UK and the USA but this was unsuccessful as well.

Related Topics:
July - 2004 - CNBC - Talk show - McEnroe - Nielsen rating

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McEnroe played himself in the 2004 movie Wimbledon.

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McEnroe divorced Tatum O'Neal in 1992 and married musician Patty Smyth in 1997. He has six children (three with O'Neal, two with Smyth, and one from Smyth's previous marriage to rock star Richard Hell). He has full custody of his children from his first marriage.

Related Topics:
Patty Smyth - 1997 - Richard Hell

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Never at a loss for words, in 2002 he wrote a book entitled "You Cannot Be Serious", an autobiographical account of his life during and after tennis. This was published as "Serious: The Autobiography" in the UK & Ireland. In it he shared many interesting stories about the realities of the tennis tour, the role of corporations in pro tennis, and his off-court, drug-induced escapades. He is active in philanthropy and tennis development. McEnroe currently owns an art gallery in Manhattan.

Related Topics:
Art gallery - Manhattan

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In an episode of its The Top 5 Reasons You Can't Blame... series, ESPN Classic examined why McEnroe cannot be blamed for his repeated outbursts on the tennis court.

Related Topics:
The Top 5 Reasons You Can't Blame... - ESPN Classic

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