John McEnroe Answers Tennis Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED

[@thenamesabc743]

Why am I not surprised that McEnroe STILL wants people to break racquets

[@jakewasiliev9817]

Because he’s John McEnroe 😂

[@brianc3761]

You can not be serious.

[@awateilrahc]

Otherwise all the players are like robots and it’s an even more boring sport

[@bsrussian]

i mean its entertaining, does every1 want everyone to have a poker face

[@mathewhorodner2000]

@@brianc3761 the ball was on the line...the chalk flew up...It was clearly in, how can you possibly call that out?”

[@rodneycooperjr3223]

He's literally the only person I think of when I think of a tennis player having a meltdown 🤣

[@aussiejubes]

Ugh I always go straight to Kirigos. God I hate him. Even though sometimes he's right & sometimes he's funny lol. Mostly he's unhinged.

[@PSNGormond]

I agree, it would be him and Kyrgios

[@hellaSwankkyToo]

right??

[@tenchu951]

Serena Wiliams?

[@johnholmes912]

Nastase was a master of the meltdown

[@marie_h1104]

I like that McEmroe doesn't take himself seriously and that he has a great sense of humor.

[@rickabyg7914]

I love how real he is. No pretense. "Take me as I am. Or not. I don't care."

[@charlottevanlangevelde1114]

I agree! That’s why I also enjoy watch Nick play!

[@jameshenson2056]

never had meltdown during playin tennis that I remember but have plenty now so maybe u need to play tennis these next few weeks

[@thomaselliott573]

yes, he was a self-centered moron at a great cost to the game. No pretense about that

[@rickabyg7914]

@@thomaselliott573 and that "cost" being......?

[@BasementTracks]

@@thomaselliott573 You sound like so much fun at parties.

[@Ciclopea2]

In a world where fakeness is accepted and even encouraged, the raw, rough around the edges realness of John McEnroe is always appreciated, he's a legend.

[@shivamagarwal2428]

amen!

[@newagain9964]

He behavior was shameful as player often. He should have been sanctioned. Much much more.

[@Ciclopea2]

@@newagain9964 He retired a long time ago. You should get over it. Much much more.

[@newagain9964]

@@Ciclopea2 I’m over it. Disappointing reading so called adults’ comments on here swooning and applauding over an adult acting like a spoiled insolent child.

[@soofu]

I think it’s funny that for new generations John McEnroe will be known for a teen romance slice of life series versus being a tennis champion😂

[@qytj1182]

I know him as both and that is amazing

[@pearbeary18]

@@pennsylvanianAntDepravity never have I ever. It’s on Netflix!

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

THE first time I ever even heard the name John McEnroe, he was having one of his epic tirades on the court, screaming and swearing at the judge on his chair. THAT's the John McEnroe that I've always loved, and that's who he'll always be to me, and probably several thousand 80's kids who aspired to play tennis because of him... It was actually fun to watch when he was called up, because you never knew what was going to happen or be said... The game quieted down... and now, I'd rather just sit and watch paint dry... "What?! Are you f***in' BLIND?!"... haha... ;o)

[@Hi_Im_Jie]

Not gonna lie, having McEnroe on Never have I ever was such a lovely surprise. He's been giving great commentary on the tennis circuit for a few decades, so hearing him give commentary on the antics of teenager was hilarious to me.

[@miguelbarahona6636]

7 GS, more than 70 singles titles, more than 70 doubles titles, No.1 in singles and No.1 in doubles, at the same time. Mcenroe is a legend. New generations need to watch more than TV series.

[@ButacuPpucatuB]

I like that John encourages people to have fun. Sports should always be fun. I know things get serious with titles and sponsorships, but the heart of the game is joy and fun. Great interview, I enjoyed it.

[@Haydatsanime]

Whatever buttercup, it's all about the W.

[@davidr2802]

@@Haydatsanime Nah, its all about the L when great players get old but still think they have it and then they get crushed by the newer generations. it never ends and its always a delight to see!

[@mystrugle900]

It’s funny cos he’s the player that stands out to me has having never looked like he had fun haha

[@minoxknoctis5851]

In pro sports? Sure fun but to be a successful pro in tennis you need to give up a lot of the "fun" while still young.

[@richcampbell6808]

@@Haydatsanime Like you are a winner? Lololol

[@pampoovey6722]

WHY was this not longer?! More tennis stuff please. John is hilarious, even if we disagree about a lot of things.

[@csnide6702]

😅🤣😂 Love that screen name ... ! Send me Cheryl's address for Tunt Manor ... !

[@dapperfob6194]

If you disagree on a lot of things with him u must be really dumb or a woman which means both

[@gungeternal4119]

Do you agree with him when he says that Serena Williams isn't the greatest tennis player of all time?

[@Beho1der]

@@gungeternal4119 Yes, and it's a fact she's not the greatest.

[@gungeternal4119]

@@Beho1der Agreed, that would be Novak, then Federer, the Nadal. But serena is the female goat for sure

[@abigailfoster2467]

I remember seeing John in his early days. I loved him. When he lost his temper I just wanted to give him a hug. He was such a perfectionist that he held himself and everyone else to a very high standard. And he couldn’t stand it when that standard was not reached.

[@maestroclassico5801]

His meltdown answer is priceless....I remember in the late 70s Jimmy Connors would make scenes....and then along came John......he is Men's Tennis' all time greatest character

[@joehalliday6081]

When I think of meltdowns, I go straight to Serena standing over that petite Asian lines person yelling "I'm going to shove this f)ing ball down your f)ing throat" and then lying about it to the tournament director. Or the Osaka meltdown. Truly incomprehensible how immature she is at nearly 40yrs old. Cheated (her coach admitted it on TV), lied about it, and then the histrionics just got started. She took away the referee's livelihood telling him he will NEVER judge another game of hers. And of course, the US Open bowed to the queen and said yes your highness, we shall obey for the sake of TV ratings and revenue. You just brought us 10 million more views. Thank you for your wonderful acting skills and performance, your highness. Then just for fun, she smashed her racquet as she has done a documented 257 times in matches.

[@danrandall794]

So wrong on that front. Before there was a Johnny Mac there was Ille Nastase. Made Johnny Mac look like Chris Everett. I remember him be yelled at by the chair for swearing so he just switched to a different language. Absolutely hilarious. By the way he knew seven languages.

[@FUNKINETIK]

@@danrandall794 Nastase was the first tennis player that caught my attention as a young child - back in the day when tennis balls were white.

[@danrandall794]

@@FUNKINETIK You are old, just like me.

[@Akpihs23]

John is no BS kinda guy. Love him!

[@sven_86]

Yup, straight shooter, I've always liked him. I miss players like this now lol.

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Totally agree, smart and no BS, my kind of guy.

[@straightasanarrow3648]

John is such a legend on and off the court, he's always fun to watch and listen to.

[@nastastic]

John Mcenroe is the same in tennis as a pundit as Roy Keane is in Soccer. Not afraid to speak is mind and be authentic. Both legends

[@debbiemullen2574]

I love you Johnny Mac. You were my favorite player in the early 80's and then I was fortunate to see you play in a Senior Event in Tampa years later. You signed my program on the way off the court. I think you were surprised to hear a middle age woman so excited to see you. It was wonderful. Thank-You!

[@colinmcmullin1154]

I never tire of hearing the thoughts of the greatest players and showmen like McEnroe

[@jepetounplugged]

Love Mr McEnroe ! So articulate in answering the questions. He's one of the greatest players ever.

[@Joseph-be3tv]

Yes he is no doubt one of the top tennis players ever.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

The change in the game style due to the change in grass /surface is really fascinating. I’d never really thought about it but obviously it makes absolute sense. Yes, fascinating thanks John.

[@DanielBoonelight]

strange the way he answered that, when the actual answer has much more to do with racket/string technology and courts’ speed.

[@wiltagarn577]

McEnroe is a tennis genius and great player. No one understands the game and its participants and can explain the game like johnny Mac. And his NY wit, sarcasm, people skills and good humor are unmatched.

[@marcinsykut497]

John is getting mellow in his age but is still the best tennis commentator in tv !

[@annewalden3795]

John is a little too self absorbed for my taste .

[@lan8854]

He’s so bad at commentating!

[@nymike06]

I agree. He's very good.

[@rankinlas]

The BBC Wimbledon coverage can be synchophantically nauseating, especially towards some of our more mediocre British players. When John McEnroe is on, he’s a breath of fresh air. Just says it as it is.

[@redmustangredmustang]

For McEnroe he was one of the very few players that could get angry or throw a fit and still be able to win the game. The thing is once you lose or start losing in tennis you aren't thinking clearly so obviously you are going to make more mistakes. John was the exception to that he sometimes even played better when he was angry.

[@tomwilko7841]

Agreed...to the point that later in his career, when he wasn't at his peak, I'm certain that if he was losing a tight game he would invent circumstances to blow up at to try and achieve a higher level

[@BardhanProductions]

Djokovic as well

[@jaaklucas1329]

@@BardhanProductions Djoker definitely plays better when hes "agitated"!

[@jsears21ify]

Such a true statement. For McEnroe and a few others, anger on the court was cathartic and they really could play better after a fit. For me personally, it is the ultimate signal that I’m on a downward spiral. I start swinging the racket harder when I’m angry. Then the additional misses make me angrier. Not good!!

[@newagain9964]

He was utterly annoying to watch. We want to see good tennis not temper tantrums.

[@icefalcon2243]

A true American Tennis Champion! What a legend and a diamond for the sport!!

[@tinylittlefilms3043]

He really is a great and honest communicator. Bravo John!

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

You don't have to approve of it, and we certainly don't have to agree with him... BUT you GOTTA respect John McEnroe's spirit and his passion for the game. He says it like it is, on and off the court, and... well... I'd argue his occasional tirades were EXACTLY what put butts in seats in the day... just as much as his skills and talents. ;o)

[@octaviannitra1845]

This guy is absolutely fantastic. He keeps a fantastic balance between politeness, friendliness, frankness and honesty.

[@peaceandlove544]

And charisma

[@a.nacap1593]

As a kid, I fell in love with tennis because of him

[@Jr42fan]

Love John. Listen to any three sentences and you can tell he's pure New York. He don't BS for anything

[@stevencooke1027]

Naturally, he has great sensible answers to life's most perplexing tennis questions.

[@jopo7996]

John McEnroe? You cannot be serious!

[@msjdb723]

😍

[@danielnewman4876]

"The Guru of tennis " love your charisma and energy you keep injecting in this great sport, you will be my all time favorite tennis player

[@edleung4046]

Never aware that the grass was changed 20 years ago to make bounces more consistent. My last grass court game was 30 years ago during my uni days. I always thought that it was the increased power of the new rackets making passing shots easier that killed the serve & volley game. Thanks for the info John.

[@ostihpem]

If the old rackets did not have the quality to pass someone as easy as with today’s rackets then I’d guess they also did not have the quality to volley as easy as with today’s rackets. What I mean is this: old rackets had a smaller and more fragile surface of where you could hit the ball properly. But if that was the case it should not only have made passing shots more difficult but also volleys. So it equalled out eventually.

[@edleung4046]

@@ostihpem The modern day rackets are more powerful so a player can stay way back and still make a passing shot fast enough that the net player cannot move fast enough to reach the passing shot. A modern racket is lighter and more stable, so volley is easier, only when you can reach the ball.

[@mathewhorodner2000]

Thanks, John; this was very fun to watch. Always love watching/listening to you commentate on television, also!

[@markojokanovic349]

He is as real as legit as a man gets to be! Hats down

[@OneIdeaTooMany]

It's not just tennis... I've seen it in squash too. I think that people get so focused on their game they forget there's a crowd of people watching. It's such an individual sport in a somewhat enclosed area that i think they just forget.

[@sirromja]

"Just get out there and have some fun." Now, those are words to live by.

[@sonsoftheedelweiss72]

I am 62 and still serve and volley with success. I love it

[@jess6882]

NEVER HAVE I EVER

[@Roy-G-Biv]

yessssssssssssssssssssss

[@counrychicc4163]

"I've been fortunate enough to get my racquets for free"....no wonder he had no problem breaking them out of anger....🤷‍♀️

[@mercywilliams2698]

Mac is my age group Era..he was a revelation with his temper..would get mad and go onto WIN championships! My family was composed of siblings with bad explosive tempers in the midst of things. Watching Mac compete at high level and succeed..gave me hope ..here was someone who maybe innately got pissed ..rather than by design..you accept and persevere. Honestly this was inspiring to me as a teenager… and is not lost on me today..as I ended up being someone who has significant health challenges. Thank you, John McEnroe!!🎾🌟🌿🥰🛣️✅

[@romari86]

Everything he says just makes so much sense, at all times. Incredible

[@vanessastegall]

That is one question that John wasn’t prepared for.

[@ohdeebee4402]

Such a New Yorker mind, which made him an even bigger legend. Always straight to the core.

[@talonthehand]

Man, I really want a John McEnroe movie starring Nic Cage.

[@ungenbunyon5548]

Omg that would be amazing!

[@taopaille-paille4992]

He is was too old man he is at least 60 or 70

[@Dman9fp]

Nic Cage is like 60 now. I thought Shia Lebeoff was a good enough fit. Idk tennis movies just aren't classics/ that good usually imo

[@MartinHiggins1972]

Nah, I'm thinking Paul Newman.

[@DrTimWhatleyDDS]

Endlessly entertaining. John McEnroe has completely won me over through the years. He’s the man.

[@entropyachieved750]

McEnroe; Now there was a tennis player. As a kid i watched just in the hope that he had a meltdown on court, and when he did it was worth hours of boredom watching the game.

[@jocosus3]

Can we PLEASE have McEnroe weigh in on tennis (or any topic really) on a regular basis?!?! His dry sense of humor is hilarious. #TrueOriginal

[@gnanasabaapatirg7376]

Not dry sense but dry delivery.

[@giorgioc6765]

"there should be a rule that you're not allowed to high five on a point unless you win the point" 😂 How I love this man!

[@shininio]

McEnroe mental strength was huge. Everyone wants to mention his "meltdowns" but few remember that he won many if those games where he had some outbursts. Also the fact that he was one of the few who had the courage to denounce bad officiating. I love his answers here, he is so genuine and honest and he has never being short on complementing his rivals. Tennis today is better than ever, but most players have a very bland personality.

[@CafeenMan]

McEnroe is probably the most real person you'll ever know about in your lifetime.

[@siouzsie]

He’s literally the only person I think of when I think of beautiful, explosive tennis.

[@syednoorerasul]

When he was reading these questions someone who have screamed at him: "ANSWER MY QUESTION!"

[@TyTanium1294]

Hahaha! John is great! If you don’t have time to watch the whole video, at least watch this take….it’s hilarious 5:16 . The last part about “you just hit the ball in the bottom of the net” had me rolling 5:43! 😂

[@wm6549]

I like him more as an analyst than as a player

[@stevephlyer]

Thank you, Mr. McEnroe. It was a pleasure to meet you and shake your hand back in 2016.

[@markhyde1970]

Absolute hero and sporting legend. Winner. Good guy

[@crashman2062]

McEnroe is a truth teller who speaks his mind, not just to provoke, but rather to answer questions with truth despite pressure to dumb down his answers. Respect for not backing down in stating the fact that Serena Williams could not beat a good male tennis pro.

[@randomdancingmanonthestree8311]

Why does he look like he's always about to hiccup? I love this man so much. He's so genuine about everything. I truly don't mean any offensiveness if that's what people think I mean. I also love his style

[@lavwithluv]

Question on the thumbnail instantly reminds me of Djokovic lol 🤣😭

[@jdstan9650]

Tennis racket technology ruined serve & volley tennis more than the court changes. The serve return with a wood or aluminum racket was much more difficult.

[@jamessavage6714]

What’s the best thing about about today’s game? Johnny Mac behind the camera calling the matches.

[@khalilahd.]

Love this guy 👏🏽

[@AngeloBassVComposer]

"Tennis players are too well behaved" my recommended videos: "John Mcenroe epic wimbledon meltdown" seems legit

[@fjccommish]

He could have treated it like a joke, but he treated it seriously. Terrific.

[@bautistagarais488]

What a cool guy. Really authentic

[@DannyGruesome]

I like how hes exactly the same. He doesnt put on any other personality hes just John McEnroe everywhere all the time.

[@jwl00066]

“i know something about meltdowns” we know you do, john, we know you do.

[@kingslaphappy1533]

He had just a hint of a wry smile when he said it too.

[@joehalliday6081]

When thinking of meltdowns, I go straight to Serena standing over that petite Asian lines person yelling "I'm going to shove this f)ing ball down your f)ing throat" and then lying about it to the tournament director. Or the Osaka meltdown. Truly incomprehensible how immature she is at nearly 40yrs old. Cheated (her coach admitted it on TV), lied about it, and then the histrionics just got started. She took away the referee's livelihood telling him he will NEVER judge another game of hers. And of course, the US Open bowed to the queen and said yes your highness, we shall obey for the sake of TV ratings and revenue. You just brought us 10 million more views. Thank you for your wonderful acting skills and performance, your highness. Then just for fun, she smashed her racquet as she has done a documented 257 times in matches.

[@jwl00066]

@@joehalliday6081 yeah man i dont like serena either. such a brat and entitled. id rather watch mcenroe throw a fit

[@joehalliday6081]

@@jwl00066 serena has 257 documented racquet smashes. Mac has only 43.

[@666kingdrummer]

"YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!!!"

[@JeffreyChase-ri7vq]

I saw a 4some pickelball game with mcenroe and agassi. John threw his racquet in the first 2 minutes. I laughed so hard

[@4EverTruth]

Every answer is sooooo on point ... AMAZING!

[@jeffreyjohnson7359]

My all time favorite player to watch. I loved tennis in the 70's, when you had such idiosyncratic players as Mac, Borg, Connors, Lendl. Borg and Lendl's style pretty much won out, because nobody can play like John or Jimmy.

[@TennisCoachChip]

4:00 I would put racket and string technology ahead of the improvements in the surfaces. Players can hit the ball so hard with so much spin now that it makes it very difficult to volley.

[@rollingeggg]

Wow I’ve been watching it twice these few months. Very entertaining and informative. Love John’s commentary on tennis!

[@cadeevans4623]

this is great what a legend love tennis

[@MoniYakova]

One thing my tennis coach used to say that kinda stuck with me was that "there is a difference between your opponent winning and you losing". Sometimes he would say "you didn't win, he just lost" or vice versa. It was this idea that sometimes the other person just plays incredibly well and other times you just don't have a great day.

[@joeymorris4589]

I’ve been an obsessive tennis player and fan for a few decades now and I couldn’t agree more with the point about today’s players lacking emotion on the court. We want players that wear their emotions on the outside, the good and bad.

[@sven_86]

Yes I'm a purist of the game first too.....but player temperament and emotion adds a nice spice to the game....I always appreciate it when its there so we remember everyone is a unique human being.

[@tennismanp15]

I imagine those who can control their emotions have a big advantage in staying focused and competitive. Pete Sampras was perhaps the best example of that. Supreme competitor, though a little boring to watch.

[@joeymorris4589]

@@tennismanp15 True. And explains why I was always an Agassi fan and not so much a Pete one

[@imalwaysright]

Not true. There’s emotion all the time.

[@Eeng-4bee]

Emotions? More like cry babies 😂

[@hayleyward3302]

John McEnroe explains things so well!

[@QuickLern818]

My grandfather was an avid watcher and a player of tennis, and a curmudgeon who HATED McEnroe and thought he was an embarrassment....which made me love McEnroe even more. The best to ever do it!

[@eliana5093]

He's literally the only person I think of when I think of a tennis player having a meltdown

[@TJ-kk5zf]

John Mcenroe answering tennis questions? You can't be serious!

[@DN-kz7xl]

I would not want more players to show emotions. Nick has it covered for everyone else.

[@FUNKINETIK]

So funny watching Kyrgios in a match a few months ago, pick up two perfectly fine rackets and walk off the court for a ‘toilet break’ and then return to the court with two trashed rackets. : )

[@JamesIsAway]

Boring bro

[@gregoryf9299]

He’s pissed off right at the intro. Perfect Mac! 😂

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Nice job John, i really enjoyed it!👍

[@spiegel3269]

I liked McEnroe because he's one of the few that actually had a personality. He spoke his mind and didnt care if it was controversial. So many players are so dull and totally devoid of any personality or character. Total duds.

[@nathangregory_]

G-d, I must be getting old. I remember watching all of Mr. McEnroe's matches.

[@ImMarkJr]

You forgot the o in god.

[@jeremysmith9694]

You are

[@ns2110theonly]

@@ImMarkJr no he didn’t. Some of us don’t believe in writing the whole word out. But you probably knew that, D-ck.

[@nathangregory_]

@@ImMarkJr You need to look again and see how it is printed out. IE there is a hyphen between the two letters.

[@SteveJones-gl1wi]

love JM - great answers........ you make tennis a pleasure to watch ! ~~ & you were my favorite player, along with Chrissy on the gentler side. :) kind of a fire and ice combo

[@garse70]

USTA should have an exhibition/tourney where professional players are required to use the same, but older wood racket. I think you would see a more serve/volley games and more net play. It would be a fun event for the players and fans.

[@mainipetersen846]

Brilliant questions and answers. Loved this

[@marywatkins6798]

This is great. As someone who loved tennis in the 1970-80s, I watched many a McEnroe game. It's wonderful to hear his thoughts. He's mellowed. 😆

[@perrybeeman]

This is hilarious, fun and informative. I love it!

[@marcusjnewtonz28]

Just listening to him you can tell his tennis iq is off the charts

[@rg2metairie]

Don't know if you will ever read this, but i started playing when you were fighting Borg. I was always impressed by your Davis Cup participation. Felt you greatest rival was Lendl. Always wanted to volley like you and hit ground strokes like Vilas and Lendl. I was always pulling for you. I know you have a legion of fans of which I am one. Good luck! Russ in New Orleans

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I loved this! Thanks for doing this!

[@dondo2935]

"get out the frustration... Then you get the racquet" 😂😂😂

[@ericmagee9054]

Very insightful! Thanks Mr. McEnroe :)

[@gjones9842]

Amazing legend. Thank you.

[@Krillian777]

I wish I could go back to the 80s and watch all of those great matches live again. There's something about that era of tennis-> Not just the courts, but the rackets weren't as powerful and reliable. Not as many aces, but less power also allowed for more serve and volley. I miss that aspect of the game. There was nothing better than a perfect low volley or a passing shot back then. Either the tennis was more enjoyable or it was something about me being a kid and falling in love with sports-> But so many people say there was just something about the 80s in all sports that was pretty special.

[@kafkaesquee521]

Love his sense of humor.

[@johnsweeney4358]

Great commentary! Very informative

[@Omar-wq9dz]

I always liked the small role he had in Mr. Deeds

[@tishw4576]

I want more McEnroe. He is awesome!!

[@AbyNeon]

I watched You play and You made our lives so much beautiful thank You John! You are always a great inspiration... actually even better!

[@jonm2522]

What a legend, i can listen to him all day, so knowlegable and smart.

[@ayanchalk]

A true athlete, hardcore and no BS 😂