Sunday, July 20, 2025
Home Tenis "Jimmy Connors did worse things on the court... Took it to vulgarity"...

“Jimmy Connors did worse things on the court… Took it to vulgarity” – When John McEnroe revealed how compatriot’s ‘antics’ were a learning lesson

John McEnroe once distanced himself from the on-court behavior displayed by the likes of Jimmy Connors and Ilie Nastase despite acknowledging his own outbursts. McEnroe candidly explained why he believed his conduct to be more restrained in comparison.

Ad

Over the course of his legendary career, McEnroe gained a reputation for his fiery and volatile behavior during matches, from angrily arguing with umpires to getting into altercations with his fellow players. During an appearance on the NPR Fresh Air talk show, the former World No. 1 commended the players who managed to keep their composure on the court despite the “frustrating” nature of the sport.

“First of all, I think that most of the players in the sport of tennis are remarkably well-behaved. You know, I would consider myself more of the average Joe type of guy that goes out there. And, you know, it’s such a frustrating game that I was amazed that people could keep their composure as well as they did,” John McEnroe said.

Ad

John McEnroe also expressed his belief that Jimmy Connors was much worse than him on the court, suggesting that the eight-time Grand Slam champion and Ilie Nastase went to "vulgar" levels with their behavior. McEnroe asserted that he had learned a lot after watching their perceived inappropriate antics.

"And one of the other - and, I mean, Connors, for example - I mean, I think he did worse things on the court than I did, with all due respect to him - and Nastase were two guys I - I kid, but it's true. I taught - they taught me a lot," he said.

Ad

"Well, there were certain antics that they did that were way beyond the pale, in my book, of what I was doing. You know, I'm not saying I'm some angel. But I'm saying they - you know, they took it to, you know, vulgarity at times, you know, situations where there would be altercations, you know, potentially, you know," he added.

Ad

Andre Agassi once expressed similar complaints about Jimmy Connors. However, he lumped John McEnroe in with Connors, asserting that he didn't like either of them "because of certain behavioral things."

"Jimmy Connors blew me off completely" - John McEnroe on compatriot's successful attempt to 'intimidate' him at Wimbledon

Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe - Source: Getty
Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe - Source: Getty

During the same talk show, John McEnroe recalled his experience of competing at Wimbledon for the first time in 1977. Despite entering the grasscourt Major as a qualifier, the American made a dream run to the semifinals before suffering a 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 loss to eventual runner-up Jimmy Connors.

Ad

McEnroe disclosed that Connors didn't even deign to acknowledge his existense before the match and ignored his efforts to make an introduction. The former World No. 1 also admitted that Connors' attempt to "intimidate" him had succeeded since he couldn't overcome the pressure of the occasion.

"But as far as Connors, he blew me off completely. He wouldn't acknowledge my existence before, which was, you know, I tried to introduce myself. He just walked by me as if I didn't exist. So that was sort of - I was like, oh, my God, there goes the first set. I was, like, so wound up. I'd never been on the center court of Wimbledon. I'm playing Jimmy Connors. He's trying to intimidate me already and he did. He succeeded," John McEnroe said.

Following their first meeting at Wimbledon, John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors formed a thrilling rivalry, locking horns in 34 tour-level encounters. McEnroe emerged as the winner in their head-to-head with a 20-14 lead.

Quick Links

Edited by Urvi Mehra
RELATED ARTICLES

“I’m glad I got out without being canceled” – Venus Williams shares her true feelings about new tennis media role ahead of Citi DC...

After nearly a year-and-a-half out of action, Venus Williams will make a return to the tennis courts again next week, at the 2025 Citi DC Open in Washington. A few weeks earlier, however, she enjoyed another role in the tennis ecosystem - as an analyst for TNT sports during the French Open. Ad Many fans

Coco Gauff enjoys serene date with boyfriend Jalen Sera, shows off stunning Florida views days after attending Beyonce show together in Atlanta

Coco Gauff and her boyfriend Jalen Sera recently went out for a relaxing date in Florida. The date came days after the lovebirds attended a Beyonce concert in Atlanta. Ad On Saturday, July 19, both Gauff and Sera took to their respective Instagram handles and posted pictures from their Florida date. The picture shared by

Caroline Garcia ties the knot with boyfriend Borja Duran in France as newlyweds receive heartwarming send-off

The French tennis star Caroline Garcia got married to her boyfriend, Borja Duran, on Saturday, July 19. The couple started dating each other in 2023 and announced their engagement in June last year. Ad Garcia and Duran met each other for the first time in 2023, while co-hosting the Tennis Insider podcast, and soon their

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

“I’m glad I got out without being canceled” – Venus Williams shares her true feelings about new tennis media role ahead of Citi DC...

After nearly a year-and-a-half out of action, Venus Williams will make a return to the tennis courts again next week, at the 2025 Citi DC Open in Washington. A few weeks earlier, however, she enjoyed another role in the tennis ecosystem - as an analyst for TNT sports during the French Open. Ad Many fans

Coco Gauff enjoys serene date with boyfriend Jalen Sera, shows off stunning Florida views days after attending Beyonce show together in Atlanta

Coco Gauff and her boyfriend Jalen Sera recently went out for a relaxing date in Florida. The date came days after the lovebirds attended a Beyonce concert in Atlanta. Ad On Saturday, July 19, both Gauff and Sera took to their respective Instagram handles and posted pictures from their Florida date. The picture shared by

Clippers executive Lawrence Frank takes shot at Phoenix Suns while discussing Bradley Beal’s new dynamic with James Harden

Bradley Beal signed with the LA Clippers on Friday after he agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Upon Beal's arrival in Los Angeles, Clippers executive Lawrence Frank took a jab at his former team. Ad On Saturday, Frank highlighted the difference in team dynamics now that Beal will play alongside former

“Winter Soldier going even with wounded leg”: Fans abuzz as Tyrese Haliburton parties with GF, Caitlin Clark & Sophie Cunningham post WNBA All-Star

Tyrese Haliburton and his girlfriend, Jade Jones, joined Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham at the WNBA All-Star afterparty on Saturday. A clip of the couple with the Fever star taking a video of themselves behind them was posted on X. Ad The Indiana Pacers star vibed to the music and danced despite his right leg

Recent Comments