via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: John McEnroe of the United States reacts during the mixed doubles match between John McEnroe of the United States and his partner Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Martina Navratilova of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain during the Wimbledon No. 1 Court Celebration in support of the Wimbledon Foundation at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on May 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: John McEnroe of the United States reacts during the mixed doubles match between John McEnroe of the United States and his partner Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Martina Navratilova of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain during the Wimbledon No. 1 Court Celebration in support of the Wimbledon Foundation at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on May 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Former American tennis star John McEnroe was one of the best players of his time. Even though he has some great achievements to show for his time on the tour, the 63-year-old is often remembered for his on-court antics. Just like Nick Kyrgios nowadays, he was the bad boy of tennis during his time.
After retirement, the American looks back at his career and he believes that his temperament and style were more suitable for a team sport. Here’s what he said in a podcast recently.
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John McEnroe wanted to be a basketball player
Recalling his teenage days, the 63-year-old said that he was more interested in a team sport like basketball than tennis. However, it just happened that he was better at tennis.
“I was more of like a team sport, I just happened to be better at this sport. I gravitated more towards that because obviously, I thought I was going to be the next Michael Jordan and it didn’t turn out that way,” he said.
Further, he explained how, as an individual sport, tennis is more challenging.
“When going is good, it’s great, but when it is not going good, everything is coming down on you, so it’s harder,” he added.
McEnroe on Nick Kyrgios
If there’s one person who can relate to Nick Kyrgios, it is none other than John McEnroe. The American also had a similar attitude and often landed in trouble, just like the Australian. We have often seen Nick Kyrgios arguing with the chair umpire, or with the opponent. At times, the 27-year-old has also had trouble with the crowd.
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Nick Kyrgios and John McEnroe
However, the former American tennis star has come forward to support Kyrgios. Speaking high of the Aussie, McEnroe said that Kyrgios has his demons, but tennis needs him.
Watch This Story: Serena Williams once thanked ‘fellow clown’ Novak Djokovic for reinstating an old tradition
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The 27-year-old is in brilliant form right now. He was consistent in the grass season and made it to the final of the Wimbledon Championships 2022. However, he lost to the defending champion Novak Djokovic. Making to his first Grand Slam final will definitely boost his morale as he prepares for the US Open later this month.
