‘I Was Never the Same Player’ – John McEnroe Opens Up About His Ex-Wife and How Their Marriage Almost Ruined His Successful Career

Former American tennis pro John McEnroe is blissfully married to singer Patty Smyth. However, the ‘Superbrat’ did not experience this during his previous marriage to Academy Award-winning actress Tatum O’Neal. Despite having a brilliant career, McEnroe has acknowledged that he has had his fair share of issues. He recently spoke about how his personal issues almost caused his career to crumble. 

Tatum O’Neal’s marriage shifted the attention of the media to the tennis star. McEnroe experienced an unusual drop in mental health near the end of the 1980s, when he was playing well and defeating legendary champions of that time, like Jimmy Connor in major events.

John McEnroe talks about the downfall of his first marriage

In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, John McEnroe talked about how marriage and becoming a father changed his path. McEnroe’s first wife also had a phenomenal career as an actor. He said that “I wanted to be a father, but I wanted to be the best player in the world. Unfortunately, post the children, I was never the same player and that drove me crazy.” O’Neal and the tennis great met at a party on Hollywood hillside.

Further, he also talked about how these difficulties have helped him to become a wholesome person today and that he is lucky to have these changes in his life. He added, “Getting a second chance like a marriage, going through a divorce, kids, you know all these things we can relate to and when you come out the other end and feel like you’re better because of it that’s that’s a great feeling.” The 63-year-old is happy in his current marriage and frequently credits his career success to his wife.

Read more – ‘Would Be Weird if She Pulls a Tom Brady’- ‘Superbrat’ John McEnroe’s Prediction on Serena Williams Making a Retirement U-Turn

However, actress Tatum O’Neal, the daughter of American actor Ryan O’Neal, was John McEnroe’s first wife. With his former wife Tatum, he had two sons, Kevin and Sean and a daughter, Emily. After his divorce, McEnroe married Patty Smith in 1997. 

John McEnroe’s stellar career

McEnroe was undoubtedly one of the top players to have ever represented the US. In particular, he accomplished the uncommon accomplishment in tennis of holding the No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles at the same time.

Watch this story – John McEnroe criticized former United States President Donald Trump for his controversy with the NFL players

He had an 883-198 win-loss record in singles matches and 77 trophies to his credit. The ‘Superbrat’ has won 17 grand slams and is a 7-time finalist. Despite having an amazing record on the circuit, he is still known for his on-court antics more than his accomplishments.

He is alluded to as the ‘Superbrat’, and people have been calling him by this nickname since his early days. McEnroe presently serves as a tennis analyst, providing his insights and knowledge during tennis matches.