During his playing days, McEnroe was known for his tennis and fiery personality.
John McEnroe feels he is in “a pretty good place” in his life right now but admits it was a rollercoaster before he got to the “Promised Land.” During his playing days, McEnroe was known for his outstanding tennis but also for his fiery personality.
Even though McEnroe feels there were many times when he was right, he admits he probably could have handled those situations a bit better. “I think I was right most of the time. That doesn’t mean I went about it in the right way,” McEnroe told The Los Angeles Times.
“Knock on wood, I feel like I’m in a pretty good place now. The effort that I’ve made to get there, that’s been like a roller coaster in a lot of ways, but it’s been a hell of a ride. So I look at it that way and I feel like I’m in a pretty good place in my life right now”.
McEnroe on Nick Kyrgios
Now, Kyrgios is considered as the “bad boy of tennis.” When Kyrgios does something, the instant thought in McEnroe goes: “Did I do that.” “Each time he does something I go, ‘Did I do that?’ I like Nick as a person.
I think he’s a smart kid. He moves the needle. I think the players like him. A lot of fans like him. There’s a lot of talk about him. He’s an incredible talent,” McEnroe said. “Almost all athletes have that fear of failure, and the question is not whether or not you have that.
It’s how you handle it. Can you go out there and consistently give the effort that’s expected of a professional athlete who’s getting rewarded handsomely for their services? That’s the only issue that I’ve had with Nick over the years.
I tried to model myself after [Jimmy] Connors, giving that type of effort. How hard did I try? Did I give it my best? And I think for the most part I feel like I did that, and I feel too often Nick just mails it in. And that’s just not good for him or good for the sport”.
When Kyrgios reached his first Grand Slam at this year’s Wimbledon, McEnroe was absolutely delighted. Throughout the tournament, McEnroe spoke about how great for the game is when Kyrgios is fully dedicated and committed.
This season, Kyrgios has been playing the tennis of his life and it has definitely been a different Kyrgios compared to previous seasons.
