‘The Level of Attention Exploded’- John McEnroe Opens Up About His Ex-wife and How Their Marriage Derailed His Accomplished Career

John McEnroe is one of the best players tennis has ever witnessed. He is one of those veterans young tennis aspirants of every generation will look up to. However, even though his success masks his struggles today, McEnroe has been through his share of hardships.

McEnroe, who was going strong and slipped Grand Slams out of mega players such as Jimmy Connor’s hands, faced an unexpected bump in his career around the late 1980s. The American fell under the microscope after marrying Tatum O’Neal. Here’s how things went downhill for him after his marriage.

John McEnroe about unnecessary pressure

Earlier in an interview, McEnroe spoke about how the paparazzi’s constant interest in him troubled him. He spoke about how the media, which gave him special attention because of his wife, pressured him. “No other athlete in any sport has ever had to go through what I have to.” He said.

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Thereafter he justified, “I remember thinking, ‘I’m going to fly under the radar with my ex-wife. Like, who the hell are you kidding? The level of attention exploded! There was way more than I’d ever gotten with any person or anything. Oh my God! So then you dig in your heels.”

The seven-time Grand Slam champion met O’Neal in 1984 at a party on Hollywood hill. O’Neal, who was already paparazzi’s favorite since her Oscar-winning performance in the 1973 movie paper moon, brought him additional tailing. Therefore, when they got married in the year 1986, media houses peaked their caliber to catch a view and encircled McEnroe and O’Neal’s union with helicopters. Thus, it can be said that his wife’s presence brought the three times Wimbledon champion unwanted attention.

Who is McEnroe’s current wife?

The former World no.1 met Patty Smyth in the year 1993 and married her three years after divorcing the Hollywood star. Smyth is a singer and a songwriter. She rose to stardom with the rock band, Scandal, and then decided to make her name as a solo artist.

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Smyth reached the top 10 with the help of the song Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough, a duet she recorded with Don Henley of Eagles. Further, she has two daughters, namely Anna and Ava with McEnroe and stepmother to the three children from the four times US open champion’s first wedding.