It's a shame that many young fans really don't know that, before the modern "Fab 3", there was another with Connors, Borg, and McEnroe. Their level of play at the end of the 70s and beginning of the 80s was incredible. Their personalities were also so marked. Nobody doubts Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic's quality of play, they're all time greats. But Borg, Connors, and McEnroe's on court personas were legendary. And in this interview you can see how articulate and engaging McEnroe is with a microphone. There's a good reason he's such a good commentator today. And in 1984 he was N°1 in singles and doubles and has 77 singles titles and 78 doubles for a total of 155, un matched by anyone. And his 82-3 record in 1984 is also unmatched. Don't get me wrong, I love Roger, Rafa, and Nole and they are tremendous role models for younger players. But Jimmy, Bjorn, and Mac are just too entertaining to ignore.
Have followed tennis since mid 70's. Mac was amazing from that first Wimbledon making the semis. I have to say his 1984 was the most amazing tennis and dominance of the sport I have ever seen. He really was so incredible. Also, still plays at a very high level to this day. To win an ATP doubles title in every decade over 4 decades is a mighty achievement too. Well done Mac and thanks for entertaining with your wizardary over the years.
+Niels Ohlsen I was there when he ranked matches in Atlanta and did his stalling at the Omni as well as Alexander Memorial. But in '83 and '84, he was something to behold.
McEnroe was undoubtedly one of the most gifted and talented players of all time. To me he's the greatest Davis Cup player in history. That said his temperament and lack of professionalism on and off the court didn't allow him to fully exploit his potential. He's a great champion and a Hall of Famer but despite his accomplishments imo he's somehow managed to be somewhat of an under achiever. That's the enigma of Johnny Mac.
miss tennis without huge raquets which turned the game into a baseline battle and took away serve and volley. plus there are zero american men who are any good.
***** mc Jesus was one big big champion, but was other tennis!!! Federer Nadal Sampras and djokovic are sure superior to supermac!!! And my favourites remaines federer and mc enroe, and my stile of game is similar to mc enroe, you can to immagine! !!!! (Obvius mc enroe is better)
Since Borg won a lot more grand slam tournaments than McEnroe, and won on both fast and slow surfaces, I think you have to squeeze him in there. McEnroe was not among the better clay court players, even though it is the most common tennis surface in the world. Kudos, though, to Mac for getting close to the French title at one time.
...wondering if he was doing it in order to beat an opponent. Gamesmanship, stalling, arguing to disrupt an opponents momentum, part of the gameplan. That's why no matter how great his hands were, I never liked or respected super brat. ;^)
For me, he remains the best, most talented player of all time.
It's a shame that many young fans really don't know that, before the modern "Fab 3", there was another with Connors, Borg, and McEnroe. Their level of play at the end of the 70s and beginning of the 80s was incredible. Their personalities were also so marked.
Nobody doubts Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic's quality of play, they're all time greats. But Borg, Connors, and McEnroe's on court personas were legendary.
And in this interview you can see how articulate and engaging McEnroe is with a microphone. There's a good reason he's such a good commentator today.
And in 1984 he was N°1 in singles and doubles and has 77 singles titles and 78 doubles for a total of 155, un matched by anyone. And his 82-3 record in 1984 is also unmatched.
Don't get me wrong, I love Roger, Rafa, and Nole and they are tremendous role models for younger players. But Jimmy, Bjorn, and Mac are just too entertaining to ignore.
I never played much tennis.but this was a magical Era to watch tennis at its best
Following tennis closely since @ 1971.... best hands ever.... a magician
Loved watching John play brilliant .
Saw him in Paris in 84 vs Higueras on court 1. Couldn't believe my eyes. Genius.
Have followed tennis since mid 70's. Mac was amazing from that first Wimbledon making the semis. I have to say his 1984 was the most amazing tennis and dominance of the sport I have ever seen. He really was so incredible. Also, still plays at a very high level to this day. To win an ATP doubles title in every decade over 4 decades is a mighty achievement too. Well done Mac and thanks for entertaining with your wizardary over the years.
I got to see him play edberg at Wimbledon late 80s. Magical
1977-1984
The golden era of tennis 🎾
Rod Laver and Johnny Mac were the best, insane touch and always attacking and taking risks.
you know your stuff. BIG MAC artistry, poetry in motion; masterful touch, fluid back hand drives, is my all-timer
totally agree, I am of the same opinion
I will say this again the more mad he got the better he played …amazing !
C est le plus grand joueur de tout les temps
His intensity in tough situations is what put him over the top for an all-court player. He never backed down.
No.
His imagination did.
Did you watch any of his matches at all?
+Niels Ohlsen I was there when he ranked matches in Atlanta and did his stalling at the Omni as well as Alexander Memorial. But in '83 and '84, he was something to behold.
Greatest of All time, IMO.
Roger is, not this ill mannered idiot.
Nonsenses. No way can he be the GOAT with such ugly groundstrokes...
lol not even close. Top 10 mac, but no higher than 8.
Great player, yes. GOAT? No way.
Most talented probably, not the greatest. Djokovic, Nadal , Federer, Sampras and Borg are / were better.
He has always amazed me with his variety and quickness. Always my fav. On the female side Martina Hingus has a very similar game, imo.
McEnroe was undoubtedly one of the most gifted and talented players of all time. To me he's the greatest Davis Cup player in history. That said his temperament and lack of professionalism on and off the court didn't allow him to fully exploit his potential. He's a great champion and a Hall of Famer but despite his accomplishments imo he's somehow managed to be somewhat of an under achiever. That's the enigma of Johnny Mac.
John is an authentic tennis legend
The original magician
that's the 1st footage I've ever seen from the JC / JM 1978 USO semi. I'm not sure a recording of the entire match exists.
GOAT
Genius!!!!
If he had trained half of Ivan Lendl, he would have never lose a SINGLE MATCH !
Here's Johhnnnnyyyyyyyy!
john was still active during this programme
Yes. What year do you think it was? I think some time between 89 and 91.
Picoso on the court.
miss tennis without huge raquets which turned the game into a baseline battle and took away serve and volley. plus there are zero american men who are any good.
With the electronic line calls of today, where would he be? Probably in the locker room collecting used towels
Doubtful. But hey hate is free I guess.
Le magicien
wa wood y a leen, leene gardienne forest ( choi stempels , levy dr choix d stempel, ar my , axa
after the Big 4 federer nadal Sampras and djokovic the 5 position for the best players of all Times is for John mc enroe, super Mac forever
Give Djokovic a wooden racket.
Maybe he'll take up bowling?
***** mc Jesus was one big big champion, but was other tennis!!! Federer Nadal Sampras and djokovic are sure superior to supermac!!! And my favourites remaines federer and mc enroe, and my stile of game is similar to mc enroe, you can to immagine! !!!! (Obvius mc enroe is better)
Since Borg won a lot more grand slam tournaments than McEnroe, and won on both fast and slow surfaces, I think you have to squeeze him in there. McEnroe was not among the better clay court players, even though it is the most common tennis surface in the world. Kudos, though, to Mac for getting close to the French title at one time.
Mcenroe est bien meilleur que tous c guignol
Musica pessima, immagini peggiori e contenuti scarsi.
...wondering if he was doing it in order to beat an opponent. Gamesmanship, stalling, arguing to disrupt an opponents momentum, part of the gameplan. That's why no matter how great his hands were, I never liked or respected super brat. ;^)
GOAT