10 Pics Telling The Story Of John McEnroe, The ‘80s Angriest Tennis Star
Carly Tennes
Published
01/15/2025
in
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Though they may have fame, fortune, and the privilege of playing their favorite sport for a living, professional tennis players have a whole lot to be angry about. Just ask former tennis star John McEnroe, the sport's chair umpire-cursing, racquet-smashing bad boy whose antics nearly outshined his impressive on-court record.
From his career origins to his small screen stints, here are 10 pics telling the story of McEnroe, the '80s angriest tennis star.
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1. The SuperBrat Story
Courtesy of EurosportEven with his seven grand slam titles, Tennis icon John McEnroe’s claim to fame spans well beyond the tennis court, the pro athlete garnering international fame — and infamy — for his mid-match temper. -
2. The Calm Before The Storm
Courtesy of Anefo / Croes, R.C.Long before he garnered a reputation for going to war with chair umpires, McEnroe was born in Wiesbaden, West Germany, and raised in New York City. At age eight, he tried his (fore)hand at tennis, enrolling in Eastern Lawn Tennis Association and competing on the national juniors circuit by age 12. -
3. Return of the (Johnny) Mac
Image in Public DomainAfter competing throughout his teens, McEnroe joined the ATP tour in 1978, winning five titles that same year — and beating tennis icon Arthur Ashe in several sets. -
4. Bad Reputation
Courtesy of Olegrus on YouTubeBut even amid this success, his on-court antics gained him a reputation in the tabloids. “He is the most vain, ill-tempered, petulant loudmouth that the game of tennis has ever know,” The Sun wrote of him in 1979. -
5. Wimbledon Woes
Courtesy of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) on YouTubeHis reputation was so bad that at Wimbledon in 1980, the crowd booed him upon arriving at the tournament’s final match due to a blow-up during his semi-final contest against rival Jimmy Connors. -
6. “You Cannot be Serious”
Courtesy of ESPN on YouTubeYet McEnroe’s “SuperBrat” status reached a fever pitch the following year, after he was nearly thrown from a match following a heated argument with the umpire. -
7. Iconic Lines
Courtesy of ESPN on YouTube“You cannot be serious!” He told one referee while dubbing another “the pits of the world.” He was ultimately fined $1,500 for the ordeal. -
8. Best Season Blues
Courtesy of John Saunders on YouTubeThough 1984 served as McEnroe’s best season, the tennis star landed a three-week suspension and a $7,500 fine after going at it with an umpire. "Answer my question!” He yelled, “the question, j—k!" Before pummeling his racket into a juice cart. -
9. Hall of Fame
Courtesy of David Shankbone on YouTubeThese outbursts — including another particularly infamous bout in 1990 in which he was booted from the Australian Open — didn’t impact his legacy too much. In 1999, McEnroe earned his spot in the International Tennis Hall of Fame, lending his sports expertise as a commentator for several TV networks. -
10. Never Has He Ever
Courtesy of NetflixHis anger, too, also came in handy after hanging up his racquet. McEnroe was able to put his passion to good use on screen, earning roles on ’30 Rock’ and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ and even narrating Netflix’s teen comedy, ‘Never Have I Ever.'
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- 10 Pics Telling The Story Of John McEnroe, The ‘80s Angriest Tennis Star
The SuperBrat Story
Even with his seven grand slam titles, Tennis icon John McEnroe’s claim to fame spans well beyond the tennis court, the pro athlete garnering international fame — and infamy — for his mid-match temper.
Even with his seven grand slam titles, Tennis icon John McEnroe’s claim to fame spans well beyond the tennis court, the pro athlete garnering international fame — and infamy — for his mid-match temper.
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