John McEnroe: Jimmy Connors is a complete a-hole

John McEnroe explains why he respects, but doesn’t like Jimmy Connors, including stories ranging from their first meeting at Wimbledon to Connors walking off the court during their match on the seniors tour.
The full interview with John McEnroe is available on the In Depth with Graham Bensinger Podcast, available at the links below and wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts:
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Episode debuted nationwide in 2018.
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[@adammoreno4654]

Love him or hate him, I could listen to John McEnroe tell stories all day long!

[@c.a.marsupial.1282]

He's a interesting man

[@rubencardoso635]

You do not have to "love" him, or "hate" him, but I certainly have deep respect for him, he earned every once of it and every single title he won and what he has accomplished. His matches and rivakry with Connors are legendary. Truly.

[@maurice19541]

Mens Tennis in the later 70’s into the 80’s was like going to a roller derby event. The old crowd despised it, us kids loved it. With Connors and McEnroe you always got your moneys worth.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine😍

[@maurice19541]

@@jimmyconnors5685 Been a fan since early 70’s. The ferocity, never give up iron will to win was mind blowing. Slugging away with that old T2000 was some of the greatest spectacles I’ve witnessed in the world of sports!

[@jimmyconnors5685]

@@maurice19541 Thanks for the love and words of encouragement I must say that I have enormous respect for you considering the manner in which I have made contact with you,Your comment gave me goosebumps and I decided to honor you.I’m very glad you’re fan of mine for that I would love to have a private conversation with you if that’s okay with you reach out to me privately via email

[@jimmyconnors5685]

vind52800

[@jimmyconnors5685]

@@maurice19541 make use of gmail

[@bucky5217]

I never get tired of listening to McEnroe talk.

[@hyena131]

Bucky McEnroe never gets tired of hearing himself talk...

[@adstanra]

McEnroe is such a great commentator now. So great to hear his stories.

[@joygrace7924]

He has always had a commentator's voice. He is very gifted.

[@eduardocenter]

He has two personalities. We are lucky to have the analytical/fun one for decades now on TV...and he's been at the top of the game in his prime...so he understands the game as good as anyone, from multiple angles.

[@JB19504]

McEnroe and Tony Romo. Two guys that have even better careers off the field than on. Well, maybe Romo. McEnroe had a pretty great career on the court.

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

Coke and Steroids. Priveledged?

[@jenmb2679]

@naz de his brothers are too

[@michaelberta3153]

I never looked more forward to a match than when those two played each other. High drama from beginning to end. The acrimony made it so much more intense.

[@blackfalkon4189]

10 to 1 the umpire had nightmares the night before the match

[@cyrilculton1181]

@@blackfalkon4189 I never thought of that but you are absolutely right.

[@jonrhythm3686]

Epic matches.

[@robertsanko2685]

The honesty of a man who has walked the earth for more years than average. He can look back at the majority of it with humor, and not spite. He was right when he said they were better players because of each other. Two legends of tennis. 🎾

[@catherinecrew1739]

The same goes for Rafa and Roger,both admit they are better players because of each other.❤️🇨🇦🇨🇭🇪🇸

[@ashb001]

@@catherinecrew1739 Now if Rafa and Roger were as candid as John McEnroe, they'd admit a third person you didn't name (whose name escapes me, as it escaped you Im sure), actually stretched them way further physically and emotionally that anyone else did. You know, the one player against who they BOTH have a losing record.

[@4zafinc]

@@ashb001 have they ever discredited that certain 3rd player?

[@chedolf8270]

"The honesty of a man who has walked the earth for more years than average." That's the thing, he still can't be honest with himself. The reason they didn't get along is that they're *both* complete assholes. McEnroe walks right up to acknowledging this ("Connors thought I was an asshole, too"), but his ego won't let him admit the truth. Connors was right about him. He's the best, most interesting tennis commentator I've ever heard, but he'll always be a self-absorbed d*ck.

[@downhilltwofour0082]

Connors 14 wins, Mac 21 wins. One of the greatest rivalries in sports history and it really increased the Pro-tennis audience too!

[@czechraiser]

And, at the same time we had Borg, Gerulaitus, Lendel, Nastase, et al. It was a great period for excellent, interesting tennis.

[@gloppy101]

Jimmy Conners (no 1) tournament wins 1274 vs McEnroe 883. Jimmy for the title.

[@lyndonchastain3181]

@@gloppy101 Yet Jimmy only won one more slam lmao

[@Andyvg99]

John is simply a great interview. He’s so candid and doesn’t shy away from questions.

[@ArtVarque]

Yah, he's always honest and so good at expressing his thoughts, maybe due to the fact that his dad is a lawyer. And probably my favorite tennis announcer. I still remember my awe while watching him in his prime. Man, that guy could hit shots like we'd never seen. Incredible touch at the net. Incredible. Just an absolute artist with a racket. And even after all he accomplished, the guy is humble.

[@msbutterflyz]

Letterman interview is superb

[@DanielBMr-SundaySauce]

Great stories John. Thanks for that.

[@danlevay5657]

Very well said - the distinction between liking each other and respecting each other.

[@LaserRanger15]

Once upon a time, athletes didn't hug each other all the time. Respect is one thing, don't have to be best buddies.

[@JK-vc7ie]

Fed, Rafa and Joker are all class and also fierce competitors. It's hard to compare different eras, but generally in all sports the quality increases as time passes. Marathon records were slower in the past than they are today. Breaking four minutes in the mile was earth shattering news back then. Not a big deal today at the elite level. Elite athletes today are - in aggregate - bigger, faster, stronger, better trained, etc.

[@jackwilliam5341]

@@JK-vc7ie those three also have been through a lot more and played each other way more than rivalries of the past. rafa and fed have been going at it since I think 2004 miami. that is nearly 20 years with Novak coming up not too much later. back then a great rivalry was formed after maybe 2-3 big matches at a slam. Nadal and Djoko have played each other over 50 times I believe. Think about the Bjorn and Mac rivalry. Bjorn quit when he was 26. Fed is still playing at 40 and battling Novak in the finals of Wimbledon. Completely different eras.

[@michaelconnor5378]

@@JK-vc7ie Jimmy is not Pete Rose. Jimmy is the Roberto Duran of tennis. He is total war like the “hands of stone”

[@margaretelmajed5265]

The glorious era of tennis. Fabulous players and personalities.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine😍

[@lynnturman8157]

They didn't get along because they were too much alike.

[@crazyman8472]

Lynn Turman Possibly, possibly... 🤔

[@victormaxwell5264]

Great observation..2 Aholes from the butts of the same siamese twins !!

[@josephjoel9199]

I do not agree with this comment. I still believe that Mac is one of the good guys. Connors is not.

[@richardraymond7775]

Amen!

[@fluorosco]

Victor Maxwell You cannot be err...

[@ag358]

What's funny is i saw them playing an exhibition match together after they both retired, they were very friendly and after the match , not only shaking hands but actually embraced each other. I think it was a comparative thing between them.

[@domoreilly9877]

I saw McEnroe beat Connors 6-2, 6-1 in a Seniors Tour match. Connors got the next plane back, blowing out the press conference and the other matches. He was being a right dick in the press conference before the match, too.

[@charlesford2014]

I was in the crowd for that memorable, senior tour final in Dallas. A sold out crowd anticipating a great match between two legends of tennis. It was a well played, intense match, with both players living up to their reputations. The match was going as expected, when McEnroe started arguing calls more and more, using profanity, with children in the stands. The crowd started turning on him, in a way, egging him on. One man in the stands got into a shouting exchange with McEnroe, which included physical threats, resulting in the guy in the stands getting thrown out. Connors and McEnroe were trading barbs. Things were getting out of hand. Connors was becoming more and more irritated with McEnroe’s constant arguing and antics with the lines people, the chair and the crowd. Finally Connors had enough. He grabbed his gear and walked off the court. McEnroe then raised his arms in victory, to taunt the people in the stands who were badgering him. That mocking, over the top, victory celebration was met with boos from the crowd. After about a minute, McEnroe, I think, finally realized it was not the way he wanted to win the match, so he announced to the crowd to stay and he was going to talk to Connors about coming back to finish the match. About 10 minutes later they both returned to the court to finish the match to a cheering crowd. For the remainder of the match, the crowd wasn’t sure how to react. We were a bit stunned from all we had witnessed. We were afraid to cheer too much, thinking it might set off Connors or McEnroe again and cause someone to walk. It was the most stressful and oddest match I have ever witnessed in my life, and we definitely got a show. Even after all that craziness, I do enjoy and admire McEnroe. I think he’s a true showman, an entertainer and great for the game of tennis.

[@gabbyhayes1568]

@ Freddie Last. Absolutely!! It's a bloody senior tour for Christ sake! They can't account themselves respectively for the sake of the game? Both a bloody bunch of spoiled Irish children with no respect for the game or the paid patrons.

[@i.p.knightly149]

They should have had you on this interview to provide the real story.

[@monotonous1763]

Insane shit

[@alexgregory1427]

Love it! McEnroe still doing McEnroe 500 years later. Thanks for sharing this. All grown up, famous, calmed down - he can still do it! This is heartwarming...ok ok I admit it - profanity and children and all that...!!! But there is still a lot of McEnroe underneath that sports commentator suit!

[@SammyEddie]

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated it. I figured it was McEnroe acting out since he “didn’t recall” the events

[@Nigelrathbone1]

In my memory, McInroe was the first professional tennis player that I ever noticed would so openly and brazenly confront umpires verbally during a match if he didn't agree with a call. He took it personally.

[@JM-db8ez]

McEnroe was an asshole, plain and simple. Kyrgios reminds me of him, just less talented.

[@tlbradio]

Nastase was way before him.

[@gd3369]

Before Mac it was Connors and before Connors it was Nastase….

[@mattcorcoran7082]

He’s like MJ

[@ralphfurley123]

I’ve always been a McEnroe fan! He was the mad genius of tennis as far as I was concerned! Incredible athleticism, fantastic imagination and just plain gifted! But also had that volatile side that may have helped him in some matches or limited his success in others. McEnroe, Borg, Nadal and Federer are my favorite tennis players ever!!! ☮️🖖🏽

[@donbraugh185]

I disagree Mac wasn't athletic but had the best touch perhaps ever. A great talent and had a lot of grit but..... he ruined the game

[@donbraugh185]

Lendl made the 80s great

[@JM-db8ez]

McEnroe was an asshole. Great tennis player, yes, and could have been so much more had he curbed his arrogance and anger. Too bad, wasted opportunity at being something bigger than the game. Instead he just kinda puked all over it.

[@xqt39a]

@@donbraugh185 I disagree. When biased judges make false line calls, that ruins the game for me.

[@rextonelectric6668]

@@donbraugh185 Mac was incredibly athletic. I guess you're fooled by him being left-handed.

[@ckn711]

Thank you John for being honest and not so PC

[@basedbear1605]

Too bad his story was a lie.

[@iwouldsetmyselfonfireforu]

@@basedbear1605 the funniest on court exchange between Connors and McEnroe was at non slam event. Connors hit a winner down the line. McEnroe starts to go into his routine. In the middle of it Connors tells him “give it a rest Mac, I mean really. I got a kid your about your age.” That was the only time someone got McEnroe to shut his trap

[@granthurlburt4062]

I think he is polite. I dont see where he is is being anything other than PC save when he says Connors was an asshole but this just seems to be accurate.

[@charlesbromberick4247]

i never missed a minute of Connors/McEnroe - it was fabulous!

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@annifridl2820]

After hating McEnroe for so long I actually love him now.

[@stratguitarman7831]

I lost respect for McEnroe bad mouthing the man that opened the door for him Jimmy Connors. Connors was blue collar McEnroe was born with a silver spoon.

[@tryithere]

@@stratguitarman7831 How did Jimmy Connors open the door for him?

[@stoolpigeon4285]

Weird, as a player I loved him, now he's just an attention-seeking jerk

[@wolfhound1452]

webbski7 Funny! I am just the other way around.

[@scotey]

I'm with webbski7. Mac was an amazing player but impossible to like. Now he's mellowed. He's self-aware, introspective, self-deprecating, and brilliantly candid. He seems to have grown into his own skin, and he seems to really be enjoying his life. He's one of the best interviews in sports. Perhaps the best.

[@CollisionofSoul]

John is a great interview and seems authentic.

[@e2go]

Lol. Yeah, real authentic. He's admitted his whole on court demeanor was an act egged on by sponsors.

[@gsdlvr123]

I'm an old guy who had a chance to meet/talk with JM several times - only briefly met JC. I idolized JC in the 70s and believe he has done so much for the game of tennis. I always found JM to be a nice guy - off the court - very respectful and engaging. I do not hear the same about JC, from those who know him - but as a tennis player I will always be a JC fan.

[@domoreilly9877]

What did Connors do for tennis? All he ever did was for himself.

[@cristop5]

Connors was great to watch. The passion, the commitment was always on full display.

[@handyallen]

Jimmy didn't disappoint he never gave up I wasn't a fan of the baseline game but he ran down everything

[@domoreilly9877]

But this isn't about his play. It is about him being a dick.

[@txmetalhead82xk]

@@handyallen and his return game was emulated by so many young people that came after him.

[@occasionsphoto]

as junior Connors came to my hometown to play. His mother was responsible for prodding him to practice unsportsmanlike antics to disrupt play when he fell behind to unsettle his opponents. He was a great player, but a poor sportsman. He and Ille Nastase brought Machiavellian attitudes to what been previously a "gentleman's game". It became victory at any cost.

[@jackm4457]

But Connors and McEnroe elevated the fan interest to soaring heights. Fans may say the love the sportsmanship of Laver and Newcombe and Borg, but they paid to see the Gladiators. I loved Jimmy's determination, almost as much as McEnroe's cunning and finesse in a game that had become all power. We still talk about these guys. I enjoyed Sampras' long run, but I don't think of him nearly as much.

[@BRLaue]

I saw the same thing at Morley Field in San Diego as a junior player. His mother planted herself at the net post and berated his opponent constantly and those were the days with no linesmen and you made your own calls. Disgraceful.

[@RobBCactive]

Absolutely, I ball boyed a tournament a few years and was eventually selected for the final. Connors & Nastase played in the rain, really an exhibition match for TV, as other sport was cancelled it had a massive audience. But I had seen the nasty gamesmanship side of his point delays for jokes and trying to involve the crowd. Most often it was against underdog players that he'd beat fair and square if he just focused on playing well, theatre to put them off seemed a cheap trick.

[@domoreilly9877]

@@RobBCactive Exactly. I think he was a bully.

[@txmetalhead82xk]

His mastery of court psychology was astonishing. Great post.

[@Lava1964]

Jimmy was a little bit wacko. Nevertheless, he's still my favorite tennis player of all time.

[@dode5064]

Same here.

[@stanley2004]

Same here.

[@abelesser69]

2 Years ago u chose Nadal...make up ur mind

[@darrylt6412]

Me too

[@allmantree]

I had to have not one but two T2000s.

[@THE-HammerMan]

Mac is candid as ever these days, which is a reason why he's such a great commentator. He & Connors should have some beers and laughs at their ages and be friends just like they had duked it out! Some never change in life. I believe change comes from always continuing to learn- always.

[@petrslivinski7481]

Like the way you summed it up: Let bygones be bygones. Shake hands and bury the past!

[@THE-HammerMan]

Petr Slivinski Thanks. I really think some of the antics from ALL of the players back then was just to get "headlines"; like, maybe someone else was in the news more, so they intentionally ranted & raved to get their name back up front! Lord knows their antics increased event ticket sales & TV viewership in a big way! If it's h I s t o r y, then don't bury it completely But as history now, one can look back to learn...AND LAUGH! I am a "nobody", but I often look back with friends and we all say, "Gadzooks, we sure were idiots back then"- and laugh the more!

[@petrslivinski7481]

Matthew Hamersly BIG EGOS!

[@THE-HammerMan]

Petr Slivinski Yep. You're right. Name someone who's become the best in the entire world at something that doesn't have one! No need to reply...ain't no such animal!

[@jeffreyrepace785]

I think they are "OK' with one another nowadays, from the bits and pieces you pick up in the press. But they will never be "best buds." Oddly, JC was on closer terms with Pat Mac when he was younger....of course, then came '91 USO.

[@dberg1964]

McEnroe is, by far, the best commentator of his sport than anybody.

[@ylekiote99999]

Very true. I remember Connors tried the Commentator thing for a very short while many years ago and he was absolutely horrible.

[@Luca33600]

dberg1964 it actually is Boris Becker

[@jeffgarrett4618]

No, it is McEnroe. Becker is not as real as Johnny Mac is.

[@Ody-up6kg]

I would have to agree. As poor of a sportsman and McEnroe was, he is a great commentator.

[@jepc92003]

Nah anymore, Roddick is by far the best

[@glenncurley680]

It takes a mental freak to play at that level, the training, the focus. It is amazing what a professional athlete in an individual sport goes through! I respect them both, their approach may be different but it worked for them.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine😍

[@glenncurley680]

@@jimmyconnors5685 You're not Jimmy, but I have been a Fan for a very long time. I have been compared to him on many occasions!

[@rextonelectric6668]

@@jimmyconnors5685 creep

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

FYI - Jimmy Connors haircut was as horrid to us in the 70's as it still is today.

[@ReVoltaire]

Those too young to remember the era might wonder if there was pandemic hair back then too...

[@godisbollocks]

It's like someone snapped the end off of a mop and attached it to the top of his head.

[@TheDude-yw4kn]

How did McEnroe grow hair after going bald is the real statement(sarc)!!

[@mikewest1542]

The Dude , Hair transplanted!

[@stratguitarman7831]

@@aliceshaw8265 tennis please not hair dews lol:)

[@toptenguy1]

Connors-McEnroe : "When you look in the mirror and you don't like what you see".

[@MacReviewzOnline]

When John McEnroe calls you "intense"...haha!!! Then you really got a problem...

[@schipbreukeling3]

haha yes

[@r.p.roberts8836]

I interviewed John in 1983. Intense guy. Enjoyed the interview.

[@domoreilly9877]

I interviewed him in 2002. Enjoyed it, too. Interviewed Connors the next year. What a sneering, self-obsessed immature twat.

[@richardraymond7775]

Whatever the truth about their personality and interaction I loved them both back in the day, they definitely provided the most exciting tennis moments ever. Actually, John in this interview does a pretty good job of analyzing the dynamics between them. Thanks to both of them for all the exciting and entertaining moments they both provided! Consummate professionals.

[@gordonbrennan1404]

Listen. Joe Louis would have battered them a at the net.

[@balat77]

2nd time i am watching the interview and still loving it 👍🏻

[@bikersoncall]

I think we all like how Ben lets the guest talk, and I like at the end John gets the last word and Ben doesn't need to step in and show everyone that , Hey'; ''This is my show'' Another great interview.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 🙂

[@lbowsk]

At the time, I thought McEnroe was the most exciting and fascinating player I'd ever seen. You might only get to see it in spurts, and often they were overshadowed by one of his tantrums. But he had spasms of sheer brilliance that were wonderful to watch.

[@peterpiper831]

Steve I think the most naturally talented player I've seen. Mostly wasted.

[@brianjoyce9040]

And he really stop playing to take care of his children, REALLY! Many say it, but he lived it

[@gheller2261]

Even when he was petulant and argued calls, he was right 80% of the time.

[@davesiow3590]

Ahh the Mac still oozes charisma to this day - his brutal honesty, whether it be about him or Connors.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@gmh471]

I always hated Connors and loved McEnroe. I had a good sense that Connors was a prick outside of tennis. As it turns out, I was right. Connors was universally despised by others on the tour, from players to coaches to tennis club personnel. McEnroe, despite his on court persona, was universally well liked. He believed in team, which is why he played doubles and Davis Cup whereas Connors skipped Davis Cup until late in his career when he was shamed into it. There's a reason that McEnroe and Borg are friends while Connors is not friends with anyone.

[@andiman45]

the difference being you thought he might be, as we all knew John McEnroe was an A hole as it was displayed everytime he played

[@conniebauer4128]

Connors was great friends with Nastase who is probably equally an a**hole.

[@brianjoyce9040]

John is and was always intriguing and not boring in word and action.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@siberiamoscow]

Never saw anyone hit so many clean return winners off first serves as Connors when he was playing well. In the 82 Open, he broke serve 47 times in 7 matches which is insane.

[@kaialoha]

The first to attack serves when classic doctrine was get it in play.

[@txmetalhead82xk]

I know, amazing! I still marvel at that passing shot he made being completely pulled wide of the court. An electric moment.

[@wad6216]

A showman with an unrivalled skill in commentary and knowledge of the sport.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine😍

[@RawLu.]

it was their rivalry that made in a tennis fan. Loved them both ;-)

[@mikedondero9931]

I liked McEnroe Connors rivalry as much as I liked the Magic Johnson and Larry Bird rivalry !

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@pbkayakyer]

Pete Rose and Jimmy Conners are exactly like twins!!

[@samanthab1923]

With some Bruce Jenner thrown in.

[@peachbear7959]

@@samanthab1923 I spit my coffee out made my day . Thanks

[@samanthab1923]

peach bear 😉

[@Frip36]

Rose is an underworld dirtbag. Conners is merely uncouth.

[@fairfaxphil]

It was a popular cut in the mid 70's. Probably add in skater Dorthy Hamill too. Most kids in my HS class in '78 had hair like that. Otherwise Borg, Vilas, and McEnroe had a mop and a customary headband to keep the hair out of the eyes.

[@californyaeh]

John you will Always be the Greatest for me...!!

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 🙂

[@johnmartinmcnally7113]

Andre Agassi tells all about Connors character in his book 'Open' - a great read btw!

[@SMSJSC]

No thanks. I have never met Agassi, obviously, but I just don't get the impression that's he's genuine. At least with Mac and Connors you knew what you were getting.

[@danielkriz7533]

Anyone who plays tennis knows McEnroe had the most natural talent we’ve ever seen in the ATP. Others may be better athletes, but in terms of pure tennis talent it was Mac.

[@SMSJSC]

I agree, there's never been a player who countered power with such artistry.

[@Raimund6602]

thats right 100%

[@granthurlburt4062]

Yes. His incredibly quick reflexes and "soft hands' permitted his fantastic net game. Some of those drop shots and brilliant shots at full extension have not been equalled. he freely admits he could have trained harder and i think had he done so, he'd have won more tournaments, particularly against Lendl. Still had a great post-tennis career because of how articulate, intelligent, and interesting he is.

[@riderskater7248]

Watching the Borg vs McEnroe Wimbledon match made me a tennis player for life. That match for me demonstrated that tennis was a real sport. Before that moment I never gave tennis a second thought.

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

Me, too. They both kept lifting, and thus they lifted tennis.

[@riderskater7248]

@@lizziebkennedy7505 Agree 👍

[@BC99]

Why is there that feeling between you two? It's an Irish thing.

[@alberttanner408]

Irish Lives Matter

[@lawrencegarrison3792]

Jimmy put tennis on the map, and was a very exciting player to watch. His games against Mac were like boxing matches, and very volatile. Jimmy was a great player despite not having a strong serve and possessing a glaring weakness in his forehand approach shot. He was able to overcome that with great groundstrokes, footwork, and return of serve.

[@cgdombrow]

His forehand up the line ended up in the net almost always it seemed…..it used to drive me nuts watching him play that he would keep trying that shot…..he was my favorite player back in the day

[@txmetalhead82xk]

Connors also hit every shot flat, occasionally, throwing in some spin shots. Astonishing how accurate he was with his passing shots (hitting mostly) flat. Just wow!

[@robertandrews3055]

I know someone who went to the U.S. Open many years ago and Jimmy Connors girlfriend at the time was stepping over the net after practice and fell rather hard. Connors turned and looked at her and berated her for falling insisted she get up. Didn't help her. That says a lot about him.

[@txmetalhead82xk]

Connors is a different man, now. Gracious and humble. Aging has changed him.

[@swcarp]

I watched them play in the wimbledon final I think it was in 84 Mcenroe won 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 in what was a demolition . quite enjoyed waching it.

[@SMSJSC]

I remember watching that match. I knew by 4-1 first set that there was only one winner that day. That was a masterclass by Mac, but as a Connors fan I found it frustrating and quite honestly embarrassing.

[@dartellomega6573]

I love this guy JMac....He keeps it so real.....also, he still can play unbelievable tennis in those legends tournaments.....his will to win and his understanding of tennis strategy are the difference? maybe? Am I overlooking his great shot making skills?

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@scottmcfarland5830]

What makes graham besinger such a great journalist, is his ability to stfu & let his guests talk

[@alanfurlong-drummer4419]

Ahhh the McEnroes & The O'Connors the Irish connection "come out I'll fight you like a man" :)))))))))) Great respect and lovely to hear John say they always had respect so cool.

[@barryrichman9424]

These guys are legends... American men’s tennis 🎾 May it Rest In Peace ?

[@georgesouthwick7000]

This has to be the classic example or the pot calling the kettle black...lol

[@theodoresmith5272]

Yeah but repeatedly he admits basically he is a jerk.

[@darreljohnson3644]

EXACTLY what I thought....

[@kbob9625]

Doesn’t mean he’s not right...

[@kurtwpg]

McEnroe never said anything as bad as screaming "You are an abortion! You are an abortion!". The blame for abusive players should have been spread around a bit more.

[@frankieboy8414]

George Southwick No it's not. McEnroe is a nice guy with a bad temper on the court. Connors is just a prick through and through.

[@Docinaplane]

I had the good fortune to see McEnroe, Connors, Guillermo Vitas, and Borg play in Boca back in the day.

[@GrahamBensinger]

What do you remember most from it? -AD

[@Docinaplane]

@@GrahamBensinger I was in my twenties and a big tennis fan. It was very easy to walk around the complex and mingle with the players. I saw Illa Nastase warming Vitas up. I think he was his coach and Nastase had a reputation if you know what I mean, lol I talked to some player (can't remember a name,) but he was from New Zealand, not a star by any means, and I thought how great it must be to be young and be able to travel the world playing tennis even if you just break even money wise. In the Championship match between Borg and Connors, I remember how Borg's shots would clear the net by feet and Connors by inches. Borg was so consistent. I'd guess well over 90% of his shots were in or would have been. He was also very calm, Connors not so much. I felt Borg was a good role model. Borg won. I still play tennis (singles) with one of the guys I went to Boca with. We played a few days ago and had this conversation. He said, "I can still hit the ball, but can't get to it." I said, "I can still get to it, but can't hit it. Together, we are one tennis player, lol" Best Regards!

[@cleawox]

Thrills from both of them. TV was never better!

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@quentin3330]

Connors doesn't talk to Aaron Krickstein. Connors is Connors. Jimmy is not a peachy softie guy. But i love him. He was one of my idols as a kid.

[@773SleepyHollow]

When I saw that doc on Connors-Krickstein, and how Connors ghosted Krickstein after the match, I thought, "Jesus, Jimmy is one cold-hearted bastard."

[@goofydog2]

I see that Connors finally connected with Krickstein in the last few years (I'm writing this in 2019).Jimmy was at Aaron's tennis center and played an uncompetitive set as his hips were where they ended up after surgery. I believe Jimmy must have figured Aaron would contact him since he was the one with some raw feelings. That's how I would look at it if i were Jimmy. I'd think I don't want to rub Aaron's nose in the his heartbreaking loss, so I'll let him contact me when he's ready. I mean, Aaron used to hang around Jimmy's house playing with Jimmy's young son at the time. 'They' just never reconnected after that 91' Open.

[@handyallen]

That was some match, they left blood on the court if not literally then figuratively

[@SMSJSC]

Why did Connors shun Krickstein? Makes no sense. He defeated him unexpectedly and heroically, but why then just shun the guy?

[@mauriciomendoza9848]

This guy was a pure natural player

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@KM-em9me]

Interesting perspectives on Pete Rose, known as Charly Hustle in his days as 3rd baseman for the Reds, he was an inspiration to all Midwestern kids who were learning the game of baseball.

[@georgemallory797]

I remember watching tennis from as early as the mid 70's, when Connors and Chris Evert were a thing and Evert was referred to as Chrissy by my parents and everyone else. BUT, I'll never forget when tennis became very very real for me...we were camping in early July of 1980 in northern Michigan and had a small color TV in our small, rented, pop-up trailer. I was 13 and spent a perfectly gorgeous, sunny afternoon inside that trailer watching the most unforgettable tennis of my life, the Wimbledon men's final tie breaker between John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. I was hooked right there. Tennis consumed me for the next decade as a player and a viewer.

[@JeffRebornNow]

I love John McEnroe. He's such an honest guy, and he's really funny, too. He also has a great sense of humor about himself and his youthful foibles. He's not stuck up at all, and always praises the talents of other players. He was my favorite player when I was a kid and he remains so today. Roger Federer may have many more grand slam titles than Johnny Mac but how many doubles titles does he have? McEnroe was equally adept at doubles as he was singles. Because of that, he's still the greatest player, to my mind. He is also the last champion to win majors with a wooden racquet. He had to rely purely on talent, not on technology to maximize physical brawn. He's also a very intelligent and insightful commentator.

[@Aman-nk5uq]

i want john to live forever. 22 years old guy here.

[@alanchong7513]

Racket technology has screwed up the game. There used to be a mix of baseliners and net players like McEnroe. Now it's war of attrition. It's lost a lot of appeal as a spectator sport for many people.

[@JeffRebornNow]

Racquet technology allowed a one-dimensional player like Pete Sampras to dominate the game. If Sampras would have had to play with a wooden racquet I doubt he would have won all those majors.

[@billmoyer3254]

watching him argue calls, I always hoped for a random meteor strike

[@alanchong7513]

+JeffRebornNow Wooden rackets mean a player has to have a greater skill set to win. With the current technology, it's all topspin and power hitting. The biggest beast usually wins. A smaller player with touch and guile can't survive. It's a sad state of the game. It's Brute Vs Brute nowadays.

[@bobmorgan1762]

Loved their intense matches!

[@richardreger6026]

Definitely added middle class interest in game. Where i grew up u we're in line 4 ass whoopin u played tennis

[@balat77]

John at his entertaining best!! His words can sell everything 😎🤗😇

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 🥰

[@A1Authority]

John McEnroe and Bob Odenkirk. How come we never seem in the same place at the same time?

[@richardperricone7111]

lol so true

[@denisdaly1708]

Jimmy was a nasty piece of work. He has mellowed in recent years.

[@ursulamullikin4723]

Most everybody melo's as they get older

[@TheCopnovelist]

The game has completely changed since they were both on the tour. Connors and McEnroe both had their idiosynchratic styles, as did other players of the era, but all the technical deficienies have been removed from players now. Everyone plays in the same fashion and nobody has a surface they are no good on. Everyone has bulked up and become much fitter. I still have a lot of time for players of a previous era, because in many cases they were their own coach and mentor.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@chesterpuffington8368]

John M, the first time I ever heard the F word on tv. I was a little kid, it was awesome. Such a total athlete.

[@bluetickfreddy101]

Great competitors!

[@davehowes5162]

Both Jimmy and Mac had the ability to make you both love and/or hate them in the space of 15 minutes. But in the golden years of the tennis boom, their matches guaranteed high drama and that certainly helped drive the popularity of tennis. Don't see much of Jimmy these days but plenty of Mac. He has acquired that most valuable skill for living: a sense of humor about himself.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 🥰

[@73reider]

Two angry Micks didn't get on, Who would have thought it!

[@cisium1184]

That's it in a nutshell, and when he answers the question "Irish" is the first adjective he comes up with. The thing is, among the Irish, constantly fighting with someone or having grudges with someone doesn't mean you don't like them. Often it means the exact opposite. The Irish are all about transferred emotion. No emotion is expressed directly or when it arises - it always comes out later in a different form. I like them both.

[@marktrail8624]

It's Mac not micks. And Connors is a Scottish name.

[@bewleyberry]

@Frank Serpico Great Celtic warriors!!!

[@conradruddy2155]

@@cisium1184 I take it you're irish then

[@palermotrapani9067]

@@marktrail8624 Are you sure it is Scottish, O'Connor is a common Irish name and Connors seems a derivation from it. Jimmy Connors was raised Catholic, so Irish_Catholic was always the default assumption. So perhaps he is Irish but his ancestors came from Northern Ireland and adopted a name more in tune with being tied to the UK. McEnroe was the son of Irish Immigrants or maybe Grandson, the name John Patrick is clearly in the Irish tradition of names.

[@nielsjohannsen2854]

Love this intervue McEnroe s work ethic has allways enspired me pass it to mac

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😊

[@Sherri1971US]

John is the best. He is always very fair in his comments. Such a gentleman.

[@maitreyas.4902]

He put out some cool music also.

[@jasonb895]

McEnroe was in three if the best finals ever at Wimbledon. 1980, 81 and 82. That last one when he list to Connors was my personal favourite.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 🥰

[@Bill_Woo]

FOR THE RECORD the Dallas crowd was awesome in that they wanted great points and great play. They were gleefully enchanted by Jimmy's unparalleled hard work and hustle, and by John's lightning fast net play reflexes and other obvious talents. But make no mistake about it - they did not boo Jimmy - ever. They booed JOHN for inciting Jimmy to walk off. On this day, without question, John was the punk and Jimmy was the legend. John should be honest and honorable by admitting that. John has PLENTY to be proud of; how about being a man and admitting a case for which he should NOT be proud?

[@kidwave1]

The guy above (Charles Ford) wrote: I was in the crowd for that memorable, senior tour final in Dallas. A sold out crowd anticipating a great match between two legends of tennis. It was a well played, intense match, with both players living up to their reputations. The match was going as expected, when McEnroe started arguing calls more and more, using profanity, with children in the stands. The crowd started turning on him, in a way, egging him on. One man in the stands got into a shouting exchange with McEnroe, which included physical threats, resulting in the guy in the stands getting thrown out. Connors and McEnroe were trading barbs. Things were getting out of hand. Connors was becoming more and more irritated with McEnroe’s constant arguing and antics with the lines people, the chair and the crowd. Finally Connors had enough. He grabbed his gear and walked off the court. McEnroe then raised his arms in victory, to taunt the people in the stands who were badgering him. That mocking, over the top, victory celebration was met with boos from the crowd. After about a minute, McEnroe, I think, finally realized it was not the way he wanted to win the match, so he announced to the crowd to stay and he was going to talk to Connors about coming back to finish the match. About 10 minutes later they both returned to the court to finish the match to a cheering crowd. For the remainder of the match, the crowd wasn’t sure how to react. We were a bit stunned from all we had witnessed. We were afraid to cheer too much, thinking it might set off Connors or McEnroe again and cause someone to walk. It was the most stressful and oddest match I have ever witnessed in my life, and we definitely got a show. Even after all that craziness, I do enjoy and admire McEnroe. I think he’s a true showman, an entertainer and great for the game of tennis.

[@ptduff]

I think McEnroe at least indicated / implies that he had some responsibility for Conners' departure. Even so, it's a pretty childish act to leave the court like that.

[@Bill_Woo]

@@ptduff If I don't know anything else about anything I will state that Jimmy (last name Connors) has always been supremely calculated in his every action, on and off the court. Connors has never done anything to be childish. You're speaking out of school here.

[@hemil]

I saw a Borg VS. Mcenroe match in... Granada (Spain) about 11 years ago...nice!!

[@trishlloyd8883]

How can you not like John, he is just adorable.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@stevewest114]

Oh yeah McEnroe is and was such a nice guy ????

[@blueyestu7950]

To be fair it’s pretty much common knowledge that Jimmy was/is a dick. Agassi talks about it a lot in his book.

[@johnbalo4727]

You can not be serious!!!

[@billmoyer3254]

they are both control freaksX1000

[@tracymcmillan1466]

I should have read down the page

[@c.c.244]

eternal life,"wallet no repeats"

[@ArkOmen1]

Jerk!

[@johnbalo4727]

@Sheerluck Holmes exzaly my dear waston

[@johnmc3862]

Great too see there’s some of the old McEnroe still there.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@SirPeter6464]

Was a bit around Mac during his heigh days. Saw him live at Wimbledon and Wembley. Was a child in a way few adults are. You normally grow up quick when you are on tour but he was still a child. Took a long time to get involved in the adult world. Now he is it is great. Love his opinions and character.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@tomitstube]

it's how some athletes compete, anger is a great motivator, so many of the greats need to be in killer mode to compete at a high level, ty cobb, pete rose, larry bird, these two, ray lewis, albert belle, reggie miller, michael jordon, and many, many more. if forget who said it, but it's the "i'm here to win, not make friends" attitude. the difference is some can turn it off after the game/match, but some can't. eventually they all age and mellow, and that's when you get the great stories like this.

[@kidwave1]

Well said bro

[@kidwave1]

In all of sports tho, the one guy, that im bummed that we got robbed of having him around to tell those stories, is Dale Earnhart. Imagine having him around now, ...like you said, mellow and telling stories.

[@Kelly14UK]

Didn't Connors say crueler things to a certain Umpire at aged 39 (you should know better by that age) , than McEnroe said in his (in)famous early 20s?

[@SMSJSC]

He did, and that's one part of Connors' repertoire that I never liked. Umpires are like fall guys; they can never win. They're in a no-win situation.

[@HighMo]

I never liked McEnroe back in the day, but over time I watched his matches more closely and realized his genius. The guy was an absolutely, net charging, serve/volley beast in 1983-1985 range. I totally appreciate his comments here - there's really not much lying that comes out of Mac's mouth. It's mostly unvarnished opinion/truth.

[@JM-db8ez]

He was a petulant asshole back in the day--great tennis player, yes, but a real big dbag on the court. He could have been so much more had he curbed his arrogance and anger. Instead he's just a stereotype of the 80s really--it was a very selfish decade.

[@carpediem6568]

McEnroe calling someone an A hole. Who would have thought....

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@Jim_Harwood]

Where was Norman Mailer the night Johnny Mac was conceived?

[@Ubafunksta]

Jack Johnson OMG 😮

[@toomuchinformation]

Jack Johnson Very funny.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

It is interesting that Connors never acted like a jerk during his matches against Borg. That indicates that he had so much respect for Borg's quiet ,classy behavior during a match that Connors knew he couldn't afford to, as the late, great tennis writer/broadcaster/historian Bud Collins put it, "emote against Bjorn Borg" during a match and had to, as the old expression goes, "tend to business" during a match against Borg by focusing on playing the match and not engaging in histrionics (although Collins when he said that was referring to McEnroe's behavior when McEnroe played against Borg)!

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 😍

[@edmccaffrey1]

The best explanation about these 2 greats,EGO plus COMPETITIVE AGRESSION egualsmutual dislike, mad, hared, disdain! Makes total sense to me.

[@richardfolkman]

Right on, John.

[@ratliff79409]

The only time I was ever interested in watching Tennis was during the McEnroe era... The feisty little shit was fun to watch, it's just that simple.

[@robertwiesler381]

Exactly

[@Cheops2112]

He was the best

[@ptduff]

Not much of a tennis fan obviously.

[@Bill_Woo]

No, Paul Talbott, I would largely concur, and I think I can easily claim to be an extremely serious fan. You are acting like you know something that other people don't about Mc's skills, his contributions, his legacy, and his role in promotion of the sport. I suspect Mike, and certainly myself, am well aware of just what a historical legend Mc is. Why, just his sacrifices to uphold the Davis Cup speaks volumes. But, BUT...that said...in his play in the time, the feisty little shit was fun to watch, it's just that simple.

[@SMSJSC]

Certainly one of the most entertaining players to watch, ever. Along with Connors too.

[@MartinJohnZ]

Aaahhh, it's the "Irish ancestry"... That explains it :D

[@dazzlingdarrenpeterson7511]

McEnroe was Scottish. shame on you, lol.

[@dazzlingdarrenpeterson7511]

@Pet C nada, no comprende.

[@Frip36]

@@dazzlingdarrenpeterson7511 Same bloodline.

[@jasona9]

Connors and McEnroe...two great tennis players and great human beings that could BOTH be 'complete a-holes' if you caught them at the right time.

[@gmh471]

No, Connors is not a great human being. He is universally despised by people in tennis and that says it all.

[@derekbramell8177]

Jimmy to john thank you for such high praise, you smooth talker

[@martinhealey2553]

Wait, John McEnroe calling anyone else and a-hole? Now that's funny!

[@fasteddie9529]

No kidding!

[@fasteddie9529]

I loved it when someone asked Arthur Ashe if Connors was an asshole, he paused and then said, "Yeah, but he was my favorite asshole."

[@fredwright5954]

@@fasteddie9529 yeah, I'm sure he was. Let ashe beat him at Wimbledon

[@iwouldsetmyselfonfireforu]

@@fasteddie9529 McEnroe will have to call him “The Belleville Basher” because unlike McEnroe, Connors was so legendary that he had a nickname. That’s Belleville, Illinois. Connors was a legend because he kept going unlike McEnroe who threw in the towel early on!!

[@fasteddie9529]

@@iwouldsetmyselfonfireforu I believe Mac was called "Super Brat" for a time (rightly so). I also loved the late Bud Collins' nickname for Jimmy, "The Brash Basher."

[@chapter13bmw]

Connors would have been one of the top 5 ever if he had a serve. As it was, he dinked the ball over and still won 8 majors.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 🙂

[@helpinghal]

One commentator on an ESPN documentary said a Connors match was like a Bruce Springsteen concert while a McEnroe match was like a Lou Reed concert ("Do we really need an audience?"). That about sums it, I think.

[@jimmyconnors5685]

Thanks for the love and support you show me as a loyal fan of mine not withstanding how long have you been a fan of mine. 🙂

[@e2go]

I like that he clarified the respect/like thing.

[@rmartin7558]

I can't think of a higher compliment in sports from a competitive standpoint than to be compared to Pete Rose.

[@jeffrobdine]

You're right but to say Pete played with a chip on his shoulder is absurd. Pete played for the love of the game. I wish players today would give half the effort Pete gave !

[@danzemacabre8899]

Especially when he had a chunk of money riding on the game!!

[@jeffrobdine]

@@danzemacabre8899 Pete didn't bet as a player, still the hardest working man in baseball !