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132 Famous Quotes By John McEnroe

Famous As: Former American Professional Tennis Player Known for His Shot-making and Volleying Skills
Born On: February 16, 1959
Born In: Wiesbaden, Germany
Age: 64 Years
John McEnroe is an American retired tennis player, who is often regarded as one of the most extraordinary players in the history of tennis. His volleying skills and shot-making artistry made him highly popular. He is also known for his on-court bellicose behaviour that often landed him in vexation with tennis authorities and umpires. He bagged in 17 ‘Grand Slams’ including one mixed doubles, seven singles and nine men’s doubles. He also holds the record of winning eight year-end championships along with being the holder of nineteen ‘Grand Prix Super Series’ titles in his career. He triumphed thrice at Wimbledon and four times at the U.S Open. We have rounded some popular, interesting and famous catchphrases, quotes and sayings which have been excerpted from the eminent tennis star’s thoughts, opinions, interviews, utterances, on the court outbursts, memoirs, and life. Zoom through the list of most frequently quoted quotes and thoughts by John McEnroe.
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The perception is I didn't get along with umpires, obviously, and I didn't, on the court. But off the court, we had a good vibe.

The perception is I didn't get along with umpires, obviously, and I didn't, on the court. But off the court, we had a good vibe.

John McEnroe
I don't take myself as seriously as I did when I was playing, and it works, and I think people see the self-deprecation in my commentary.

I don't take myself as seriously as I did when I was playing, and it works, and I think people see the self-deprecation in my commentary.

John McEnroe
If you yell at your box, I'm not really sure it's something where it should be a penalty. It seems like you hurt yourself.

If you yell at your box, I'm not really sure it's something where it should be a penalty. It seems like you hurt yourself.

John McEnroe
There's always a concern when you play the week before a major. That's not the easiest time for a scheduler or a promoter, I would think.

There's always a concern when you play the week before a major. That's not the easiest time for a scheduler or a promoter, I would think.

John McEnroe
Women have it better in tennis than any other sport, but you shouldn't push them to play more than they're capable of playing.

Women have it better in tennis than any other sport, but you shouldn't push them to play more than they're capable of playing.

John McEnroe
In general, people are administered drugs too readily.

In general, people are administered drugs too readily.

John McEnroe
I would not have an event before the majors. I would build them up. It very rarely happens that a player plays the week before, wins the event, and then goes on to win the slam.

I would not have an event before the majors. I would build them up. It very rarely happens that a player plays the week before, wins the event, and then goes on to win the slam.

John McEnroe
If you look at the top 100 players, you would see that the great majority of them have had at least a couple of surgeries. That tells me that we have to protect the players.

If you look at the top 100 players, you would see that the great majority of them have had at least a couple of surgeries. That tells me that we have to protect the players.

John McEnroe
I would put tiebreakers in the fifth set, no question about it.

I would put tiebreakers in the fifth set, no question about it.

John McEnroe
Do women golfers say they could go out and beat Tiger Woods?

Do women golfers say they could go out and beat Tiger Woods?

John McEnroe
I've seen tennis clubs close in Manhattan and garages put up in their place, and I'd sure like to be part of reversing that trend.

I've seen tennis clubs close in Manhattan and garages put up in their place, and I'd sure like to be part of reversing that trend.

John McEnroe
I had a harsh lesson in 1996, when I lost four times to Andres Gomez on clay.

I had a harsh lesson in 1996, when I lost four times to Andres Gomez on clay.

John McEnroe
I used to get two racquets a year. As you can imagine, they didn't last me too long.

I used to get two racquets a year. As you can imagine, they didn't last me too long.

John McEnroe
Of course for your main rivals, you're going to get extra motivated for it, particularly if you haven't played him for a long time.

Of course for your main rivals, you're going to get extra motivated for it, particularly if you haven't played him for a long time.

John McEnroe
I can't speak for other people, but I still hate losing. When I did lose, I found it easier to yell than to cry. Guys aren't supposed to cry, are they?

I can't speak for other people, but I still hate losing. When I did lose, I found it easier to yell than to cry. Guys aren't supposed to cry, are they?

John McEnroe
As I got older and started moving up the ranking, the matches got more important, and my emotions ratcheted up. I guess I hid my real feelings behind the anger.

As I got older and started moving up the ranking, the matches got more important, and my emotions ratcheted up. I guess I hid my real feelings behind the anger.

John McEnroe
I was a Yankee fan until 1981. That was the year the Yankees were two up on the Dodgers and lost four straight. And George Steinbrenner apologized to the city.

I was a Yankee fan until 1981. That was the year the Yankees were two up on the Dodgers and lost four straight. And George Steinbrenner apologized to the city.

John McEnroe
I like John McCain, or he seems like a cool guy in a lot of ways. I don't agree with a lot of his policies, but he still seems like a cool guy.

I like John McCain, or he seems like a cool guy in a lot of ways. I don't agree with a lot of his policies, but he still seems like a cool guy.

John McEnroe
I'm going to vote for Obama. I'm going for the change.

I'm going to vote for Obama. I'm going for the change.

John McEnroe
Nadal is one of the great champions - a class act.

Nadal is one of the great champions - a class act.

John McEnroe
I thought doubles was a good way for me to practice and get some reps in - I didn't like to train in the gym as much as players these days.

I thought doubles was a good way for me to practice and get some reps in - I didn't like to train in the gym as much as players these days.

John McEnroe
Kyrgios has got to look in the mirror if he wants to become a top player and win Grand Slams.

Kyrgios has got to look in the mirror if he wants to become a top player and win Grand Slams.

John McEnroe
You can't give away points and games against someone like Murray. You're not going to make it to the top with that kind of effort.

You can't give away points and games against someone like Murray. You're not going to make it to the top with that kind of effort.

John McEnroe
I'm 56 years old. I like to get out on the court. I continue to try to play the best I can. Obviously, I'm nowhere near where I was when half this age. But I can still hit a pretty decent ball.

I'm 56 years old. I like to get out on the court. I continue to try to play the best I can. Obviously, I'm nowhere near where I was when half this age. But I can still hit a pretty decent ball.

John McEnroe
Sometimes my negativity worked to my advantage, and early in my career, it got me going. But you need to understand that you're not just fighting opponents, you're also fighting yourself.

Sometimes my negativity worked to my advantage, and early in my career, it got me going. But you need to understand that you're not just fighting opponents, you're also fighting yourself.

John McEnroe
I got a lot of publicity, but it steamrolled. Event organizers weren't used to that kind of behavior, so later, they tightened the rules.

I got a lot of publicity, but it steamrolled. Event organizers weren't used to that kind of behavior, so later, they tightened the rules.

John McEnroe
I did a terrible job of composing myself. I was a spoiled brat from Long Island who benefitted from the energy of New York.

I did a terrible job of composing myself. I was a spoiled brat from Long Island who benefitted from the energy of New York.

John McEnroe
Look at Becker and Djokovic. If you look at Novak's record since Boris has been there, it's been phenomenal.

Look at Becker and Djokovic. If you look at Novak's record since Boris has been there, it's been phenomenal.

John McEnroe
If you really want to get it more exciting, no linesmen. And have the players call their lines. That would make the game more exciting, I promise you. It would be awesome.

If you really want to get it more exciting, no linesmen. And have the players call their lines. That would make the game more exciting, I promise you. It would be awesome.

John McEnroe
I can't advocate people not liking each other. But... I'd prefer it.

I can't advocate people not liking each other. But... I'd prefer it.

John McEnroe
I always got along with Borg, who was my greatest rival. People like to see me and Connors, me and Lendl, go at it. We didn't like each other.

I always got along with Borg, who was my greatest rival. People like to see me and Connors, me and Lendl, go at it. We didn't like each other.

John McEnroe
Nick Kyrgios, if you don't want to be a professional tennis player, do something else.

Nick Kyrgios, if you don't want to be a professional tennis player, do something else.

John McEnroe
I can tell you from experience that when you get that pent-up and crazed, it can be distracting.

I can tell you from experience that when you get that pent-up and crazed, it can be distracting.

John McEnroe
You look at a guy like Michael Jordan: I can't believe there will be other basketball players like him.

You look at a guy like Michael Jordan: I can't believe there will be other basketball players like him.

John McEnroe
Why don't they go back to wood racquets? Then we would see the best tennis to be played.

Why don't they go back to wood racquets? Then we would see the best tennis to be played.

John McEnroe
I was always taught that you needed to be intense and never lose your focus.

I was always taught that you needed to be intense and never lose your focus.

John McEnroe
What made my matches against Borg and Connors interesting was, comparing it to boxing, it was like a puncher and a counter-puncher.

What made my matches against Borg and Connors interesting was, comparing it to boxing, it was like a puncher and a counter-puncher.

John McEnroe
I'm sure a lot of players say it, but winning is almost so you don't lose. The thrill of winning is not as great as the pain of losing.

I'm sure a lot of players say it, but winning is almost so you don't lose. The thrill of winning is not as great as the pain of losing.

John McEnroe
The sting of losing is bad.

The sting of losing is bad.

John McEnroe
If they think I'm better at commentating than I was as a player, then I must be pretty darned good at commentating.

If they think I'm better at commentating than I was as a player, then I must be pretty darned good at commentating.

John McEnroe
Sometimes you get hungrier when you taste it.

Sometimes you get hungrier when you taste it.

John McEnroe
Roland Garros is the only one of the four majors that is 15 days, and that is too long.

Roland Garros is the only one of the four majors that is 15 days, and that is too long.

John McEnroe
Nadal and Roger Federer have great respect for each other. I think Novak Djokovic gets under those two guys' skin a little bit, and maybe they don't want to admit it, and I think that's, in a way, healthy.

Nadal and Roger Federer have great respect for each other. I think Novak Djokovic gets under those two guys' skin a little bit, and maybe they don't want to admit it, and I think that's, in a way, healthy.

John McEnroe
I didn't get along with most of the players I played against, but the one guy I did get along with was my greatest rival, so it can be done.

I didn't get along with most of the players I played against, but the one guy I did get along with was my greatest rival, so it can be done.

John McEnroe
I happened to be one of those guys who doesn't play much golf.

I happened to be one of those guys who doesn't play much golf.

John McEnroe
It's ironic - people used to want to suspend me and talk about how bad my behaviour was, but now they like it when I shout and scream.

It's ironic - people used to want to suspend me and talk about how bad my behaviour was, but now they like it when I shout and scream.

John McEnroe
If people do things without thinking them through, that rubs me up the wrong way.

If people do things without thinking them through, that rubs me up the wrong way.

John McEnroe
I don't think enough players channel the energy of the crowd. If it's done properly, and you don't let anger overwhelm and distract you, it's like a shot of adrenaline in the arm, and it gets the crowd pumped up.

I don't think enough players channel the energy of the crowd. If it's done properly, and you don't let anger overwhelm and distract you, it's like a shot of adrenaline in the arm, and it gets the crowd pumped up.

John McEnroe
I'd never left America until I was 18.

I'd never left America until I was 18.

John McEnroe
There's a certain beauty and majesty to Wimbledon. The elegance, the way the grass looks on TV.

There's a certain beauty and majesty to Wimbledon. The elegance, the way the grass looks on TV.

John McEnroe
I remember when I was younger taking more pride in Wimbledon than the French. That and the U.S. Open - they were the ones I wanted to win.

I remember when I was younger taking more pride in Wimbledon than the French. That and the U.S. Open - they were the ones I wanted to win.

John McEnroe
I went on safari in South Africa just after apartheid had ended.

I went on safari in South Africa just after apartheid had ended.

John McEnroe
I've never seen a good tennis movie. They all were terrible.

I've never seen a good tennis movie. They all were terrible.

John McEnroe
I can barely remember what I was like 36 years ago when I was 21 years old.

I can barely remember what I was like 36 years ago when I was 21 years old.

John McEnroe
What I think is frustrating for Americans is that it feels like more was going to change with Obama.

What I think is frustrating for Americans is that it feels like more was going to change with Obama.

John McEnroe
I would have thought that a woman would have become president before a black man.

I would have thought that a woman would have become president before a black man.

John McEnroe
I won't admit to having a poster of Borg on my bedroom door. But I certainly found him to be someone who got me way more into tennis.

I won't admit to having a poster of Borg on my bedroom door. But I certainly found him to be someone who got me way more into tennis.

John McEnroe
Tennis was a white, upper-class sport, and I wanted it to be treated like other sports were.

Tennis was a white, upper-class sport, and I wanted it to be treated like other sports were.

John McEnroe
I am someone who gets pretty worked up.

I am someone who gets pretty worked up.

John McEnroe
I'm generally happy, although my kids and wife may sometimes argue with that.

I'm generally happy, although my kids and wife may sometimes argue with that.

John McEnroe
I thought if I looked back and evaluated my life, it would help me in the future.

I thought if I looked back and evaluated my life, it would help me in the future.

John McEnroe
I didn't serve and volley until I got to Wimbledon in '77.

I didn't serve and volley until I got to Wimbledon in '77.

John McEnroe
Maybe I should have played two more Australians and two less Davis Cups? I could have had more majors and still have three Davis Cups when most people don't have one.

Maybe I should have played two more Australians and two less Davis Cups? I could have had more majors and still have three Davis Cups when most people don't have one.

John McEnroe
No one cares about the Davis Cup. How many people know I won five Davis Cups and seven majors, but that I rarely played the Australian Open?

No one cares about the Davis Cup. How many people know I won five Davis Cups and seven majors, but that I rarely played the Australian Open?

John McEnroe
The only thing 'championship' about Wimbledon is its prestige.

The only thing 'championship' about Wimbledon is its prestige.

John McEnroe
Believe it or not, I was a pretty shy youngster growing up.

Believe it or not, I was a pretty shy youngster growing up.

John McEnroe
When I was eight and a half, my parents moved to a part of Queens where there was a club nearby. We joined, and if you believe in someone up above, I think I was meant to play tennis.

When I was eight and a half, my parents moved to a part of Queens where there was a club nearby. We joined, and if you believe in someone up above, I think I was meant to play tennis.

John McEnroe
This taught me a lesson, but I'm not quite sure what it is.

This taught me a lesson, but I'm not quite sure what it is.

John McEnroe
I think it's the mark of a great player to be confident in tough situations.

I think it's the mark of a great player to be confident in tough situations.

John McEnroe
Things slow down, the ball seems a lot bigger and you feel like you have more time. Everything computes - you have options, but you always take the right one.

Things slow down, the ball seems a lot bigger and you feel like you have more time. Everything computes - you have options, but you always take the right one.

John McEnroe
I had a similar year back in 1984 when I felt like I couldn't lose.

I had a similar year back in 1984 when I felt like I couldn't lose.

John McEnroe
There's something deeply satisfying when it succeeds, but I'm not going to do another book just to put my name on something and make some money if it's not something I deeply care about.

There's something deeply satisfying when it succeeds, but I'm not going to do another book just to put my name on something and make some money if it's not something I deeply care about.

John McEnroe
I believe there's only one autobiography you can do.

I believe there's only one autobiography you can do.

John McEnroe
I haven't seen a professional player come out of New York in over 20 years since my brother Patrick came out. Blake spent a few years in Harlem, but he moved to Connecticut when he was a kid.

I haven't seen a professional player come out of New York in over 20 years since my brother Patrick came out. Blake spent a few years in Harlem, but he moved to Connecticut when he was a kid.

John McEnroe
But these guys learn so fast now, they sort of soak up the information, they're fearless. Those are the guys who learn from their mistakes and come back strong the next time.

But these guys learn so fast now, they sort of soak up the information, they're fearless. Those are the guys who learn from their mistakes and come back strong the next time.

John McEnroe
Well I think that's probably one of a few, where I grew up in the City of New York, it's got a lot of energy, my parents are Irish-American so there was a bit of yelling going on in my house but it seemed normal.

Well I think that's probably one of a few, where I grew up in the City of New York, it's got a lot of energy, my parents are Irish-American so there was a bit of yelling going on in my house but it seemed normal.

John McEnroe
I'll let the racket do the talking.

I'll let the racket do the talking.

John McEnroe
You're asking too much of the women. They shouldn't be playing as many events as men. If tennis is best served by women playing events with men, so be it.

You're asking too much of the women. They shouldn't be playing as many events as men. If tennis is best served by women playing events with men, so be it.

John McEnroe
My best tennis at my peak was when I played a lot of matches.

My best tennis at my peak was when I played a lot of matches.

John McEnroe
The mistake, if I made one, in the late 1980s, was thinking I needed to change my game.

The mistake, if I made one, in the late 1980s, was thinking I needed to change my game.

John McEnroe
If you're out there and things are going badly, are you going to cry or break down?

If you're out there and things are going badly, are you going to cry or break down?

John McEnroe
It's only human nature to want to know what you can do on your own or with someone else.

It's only human nature to want to know what you can do on your own or with someone else.

John McEnroe
When I walk out there on court, I become a maniac... Something comes over me, man.

When I walk out there on court, I become a maniac... Something comes over me, man.

John McEnroe
It seems like the richer you are, the more chance you have of paying less tax.

It seems like the richer you are, the more chance you have of paying less tax.

John McEnroe
No other athlete in any sport has ever had to go through what I have to.

No other athlete in any sport has ever had to go through what I have to.

John McEnroe
When I was 25, if you'd have said I was going to be a commentator, that would seem like, 'Oh, my God. That's a huge step down.'

When I was 25, if you'd have said I was going to be a commentator, that would seem like, 'Oh, my God. That's a huge step down.'

John McEnroe
We should reach out to people to try to go after the fans the way other sports do. Because we can't just depend on the fact that it is a great game.

We should reach out to people to try to go after the fans the way other sports do. Because we can't just depend on the fact that it is a great game.

John McEnroe
If, in a few months, I'm only number 8 or number 10 in the world, I'll have to look at what off-the-court work I can do. I will need to do something if I want to be number 1.

If, in a few months, I'm only number 8 or number 10 in the world, I'll have to look at what off-the-court work I can do. I will need to do something if I want to be number 1.

John McEnroe
When I was 15 and playing in Kalamazoo, I ran into a light pole on the side of the court and was knocked out for a little while - when I woke up, I was seeing stars!

When I was 15 and playing in Kalamazoo, I ran into a light pole on the side of the court and was knocked out for a little while - when I woke up, I was seeing stars!

John McEnroe
I grew up watching Dr. J, and I was like, 'Oh my God, this guy is the greatest basketball player I ever saw.'

I grew up watching Dr. J, and I was like, 'Oh my God, this guy is the greatest basketball player I ever saw.'

John McEnroe
Jack Nicholson didn't get anything until he was in his thirties. You have to persevere and put yourself in positions, and sooner or later, you will break through.

Jack Nicholson didn't get anything until he was in his thirties. You have to persevere and put yourself in positions, and sooner or later, you will break through.

John McEnroe
I'm a tell-it-like-it-is kind of person; I don't like being misled or someone not telling the truth. That upsets me.

I'm a tell-it-like-it-is kind of person; I don't like being misled or someone not telling the truth. That upsets me.

John McEnroe
Sitting there clapping and smiling... it's difficult. You're like, 'Don't worry about it, you just double faulted, you just played a really dumb point. Keep positive.' Then more clapping. That would annoy me as a player.

Sitting there clapping and smiling... it's difficult. You're like, 'Don't worry about it, you just double faulted, you just played a really dumb point. Keep positive.' Then more clapping. That would annoy me as a player.

John McEnroe
I am finicky about making sure my sneakers are pretty tight. It is almost like a superstition for me.

I am finicky about making sure my sneakers are pretty tight. It is almost like a superstition for me.

John McEnroe
London is great, but New York is the greatest city in the world.

London is great, but New York is the greatest city in the world.

John McEnroe
Everybody loves success, but they hate successful people.

Everybody loves success, but they hate successful people.

John McEnroe
I like to be close to water and the ocean, particularly. I love to get out and body surf. I like mountain biking, too.

I like to be close to water and the ocean, particularly. I love to get out and body surf. I like mountain biking, too.

John McEnroe
I'd love to see all the guys play their best because I think it's better for tennis.

I'd love to see all the guys play their best because I think it's better for tennis.

John McEnroe
To be involved in a senior tournament back in the States is very satisfying.

To be involved in a senior tournament back in the States is very satisfying.

John McEnroe
You have to keep persevering. An actor goes to a lot of auditions and doesn't get the part.

You have to keep persevering. An actor goes to a lot of auditions and doesn't get the part.

John McEnroe
If Roger stopped right now and never won another match, to me he'd already be one of the greatest players to ever play the game. To me, he's the greatest all around talent that I've ever seen.

If Roger stopped right now and never won another match, to me he'd already be one of the greatest players to ever play the game. To me, he's the greatest all around talent that I've ever seen.

John McEnroe
The older I get, the better I used to be.

The older I get, the better I used to be.

John McEnroe