Among all the talents that the game of tennis has produced in its history, one name stands out for his geniality and unorthodox way of playing. What John McEnroe did with a tennis racket is unlikely to be repeated by anyone ever.
It is needless to say that there are players who had better results and won more tittles than he did, but his shot making ability and his unique volley skills have no match whatsoever. In addition, while being a true serve and volley player he managed to hang from the baseline consistently against the other top players from his generation, even having a continental grip on the forehand, something that was already outdated at the time.
Although some top statistical figures are attributed to him, not only numbers bring the greatest memories of this gifted player. For instance, he holds seven Grand Slam tittles, three Wimbledon ad four US Open, but who can forget the 1984 French Open? He had a remarkable run on his weakest surface, clay, losing only one set (to Jose Higueras) on his way to the final against Ivan Lendl. In the first two sets of that final match, McEnroe was responsible for what probably has been the best clay court exhibition ever performed by a “non clay court player”, as he made Lendl look astonished with the beat he was giving him. McEnroe went on to lose that match, which still these days makes him lose his sleep, as he says. That was one of the greatest shames of all time, for that title would have meant more for his career than for Lendl’s.
A couple of paradoxes outlined McEnroe career as well. Otherwise heavily criticized for his behavior and short temper, Big Mac showed his love for the game in ways no longer found on the tour. While today’s top players don’t engage on doubles competition in order to save themselves for singles, McEnroe managed to be number one in the world on both singles and doubles without being a super athlete as current players are. The rebelled and controversial player also showed great loyalty to Davis Cup competition unlike many other top American players. Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi never gave the same importance as McEnroe did, when it came to defending their country.
Great rivalries often can make an era be remembered forever at any sport, but do not necessarily happen in every generation. McEnroe had three big ones, against Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg and Ivan Lendl, helping to write a big chapter in tennis history.
In my opinion nobody ever made the game of tennis look easier and more effortless to be played. As time went by, McEnroe’s artistry and romanticism eventually gave place to the power game that is played today. Even so, at the age of 50, he could still hang with some top players, due solely to his incredible ability to play tennis. And in another provocative issue, launched by McEnroe himself, I would have to put my money on him if he were to play Serena Williams or whoever would be the number one woman player in he world.
For all he did and still does (on the senior tour), for his style of play, for the character he is, and for his ability to entertain, I consider no exaggeration to place John McEnroe on the top of the ladder as the greatest genius who ever picked up a tennis racket.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McEnroe
http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/3/en/players/playerprofiles/default.asp?playernumber=M047
http://www.fft.fr/rolandgarros/pdfpalmares/hommes1984_en.pdf
