‘I Can’t Handle the Pressure’- John McEnroe Explains Why He Never Wanted To Return to Wimbledon Again

John McEnroe is an enigma even after he has retired. The former American player’s presence is still as powerful as it was during the 198os when people could not resist his passion and love for the sport. During his playing days, he pushed himself and went to great lengths to give his best on the court.

His success and aggression were visible, but what he was going underneath was not. In an interview, McEnroe talked about the pressure he felt during his peak in 1984.

John McEnroe felt his success was too much to handle

The interviewer asked the player about mental health issues, as discussions on such important issues have come to the limelight. He said, “That’s a really tough one, and it’s a very interesting one.” He talked about the pressure he had to go through at in his career.

McEnroe said, “I had times where I felt like if I ever like win Wimbledon, I’ll never go back.” He added, “I can’t handle the pressure. It was overwhelming, and that was 40 years ago.” He considered the rise in technology and other resources in the present time. He said, “Maybe it’s more magnified because of social media, there’s more money and expectations.”

The seven-time grand slam champion said, “When you are trying to be the best at any sport, it’s tough to get it right. You’re being hunted more as the top guy.” He talked about the pressure he was feeling during his peak.

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“But I was definitely feeling that towards the end of the year. After 84, I was feeling in some ways, off the court happier but on the court, it wasn’t happening as easily,” he conveyed his deop in form due to pressure. McEnroe had won 13 titles in 1984, and it was by far the best year of his career.

Mental health in the present scenario

Former players like John McEnroe, Chris Evert, and Martina Navratilova have supported the increasing attention to mental health issues.

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This came to the spotlight when Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open 2021, citing her deteriorating mental health. Similarly, another high-profile name to take a break from her sport, was Simone Biles. After that, the matter is being dealt effectively with everyone paying heed to the mental health of athletes playing at the highest level.