John McEnroe Biography

Born John Patrick McEnroe Jnr., at an army base in Germany to American parents, John McEnroe appeared on the tennis scene in 1977, after being coached by the legendary Harry Hopman at Long Island's Port Washington Academy.

The 18-year-old amateur won the first of his 17 major titles in the mixed doubles at the French Open.

Qualifying for Wimbledon, he reached the semi-finals, before being knocked-out by Jimmy Connors.

A left-hander, McEnroe combined a strong serve with great accuracy. Naturally aggressive, he also had the patience and artistry to master the game.

Together with Peter Fleming, he dominated men's doubles, too, winning nine Grand Slam tournaments.

1980 brought his most memorable match. A dramatic five-set Wimbledon final with Bjorn Borg saw McEnroe rescue the fourth set, after facing five championship points. Borg triumphed, but the following year McEnroe defeated him.

Further victories followed in 1983 and 1984. His final triumph at Wimbledon came in 1992, when he and Michael Stich won the men's doubles.

However, he will probably be best remembered for his behaviour at Wimbledon in 1981. Warned by the umpire after smashing his racquet, McEnroe responded, "Man, you can not be serious!". Later on in the match he demanded to see the tournament referee, before shouting, "You guys are the absolute pits of the world, do you know that?". He also called another umpire "an incompetent fool," incurring a $10,000 fine.

A six-year marriage to actress Tatum O'Neal, with whom he had three children, ended acrimoniously in 1992; she has recently accused McEnroe of using steroids. Whilst angry, he has not denied the allegations.

Now married to the rock singer Patty Smyth, with whom he has had two daughters, McEnroe is a commentator and presenter, playing occasional exhibition matches.