John McEnroe

Lore & Background

McEnroe was born in Wiesbaden, West Germany, to American parents. His father, the son of Irish immigrants, was stationed with the United States Air Force. When John was about nine months old his father was transferred back to the US, and the family relocated to Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, New York. After leaving the service, McEnroe's father worked as an advertising agent while attending Fordham Law School at night. In 1961 the family moved to Flushing, Queens, and two years later to Douglaston. John has two younger brothers: Mark and Patrick. McEnroe began playing tennis at the Douglaston Club when he was eight. By twelve he was ranked seventh in his age group, and joined the Port Washington Tennis Academy. He attended Trinity School in Manhattan, graduating in 1977. He later entered Stanford University, winning the NCAA singles title in 1978 and leading the team to an NCAA championship.

In Their Own Story

The center court at Wimbledon is silent save for the rhythmic thud of the ball and the sharp intake of breath from the crowd. McEnroe stands at the baseline, his white outfit stark against the green grass, eyes locked on his opponent's serve. As the ball arcs toward him, he swivels, racket snapping forward with a blur of motion. The return skims the line, drawing an immediate roar and a sharp protest from McEnroe as he turns to glare at the umpire, his face flushed with intensity.

Reader's Guide

McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles (four US Open, three Wimbledon). He won nine men's doubles majors and one mixed doubles major. He and Peter Fleming won the Wimbledon men's doubles title in 1979 and the US Open doubles that same year. McEnroe's singles match record of 82–3 in 1984 remains the best single-season win rate of the Open Era. He won eight singles and seven doubles year-end titles, both records. He was named ATP Player of the Year and ITF World Champion in 1981, 1983 and 1984. He contributed to five Davis Cup titles for the U.S. and later was team captain.

Did You Know?

• McEnroe is one of two male players (alongside Stefan Edberg) to have held both No. 1 rankings in singles and doubles, and the only one to hold both simultaneously.
• He won an Open Era record 155 career titles: 77 in singles, 77 in doubles and 1 in mixed doubles.
• His singles match record of 82–3 in 1984 remains the best single-season win rate of the Open Era.
• McEnroe is the only male player to win more than 70 titles in both singles and doubles.