The hair has turned white, but at 62, John McEnroe, a consultant in particular for Eurosport antennas, keeps a watchful eye on the professional tennis circuit, which he left at 35 in singles and 47 in doubles. The former world number 1 still plays exhibitions and regularly competes in the “tournament of legends” at Roland-Garros, where the French public can still taste the left-handed mood swings passed down to posterity. During an interview, Monday, January 24, with several European media, the American with seven Grand Slam titles (in singles) dissects from his New York home the 2022 vintage of the Australian Open, tournament which he has never won, either in singles or doubles.
The pre-tournament was splashed by the Djokovic affair. To what extent can this episode leave traces?
It’s very difficult to answer. This could mark a turning point in his life, as much as in his career. Novak is already a legend, he caught up with the other two [Roger Federer et Rafael Nadal] with 20 Grand Slam titles… This episode proves how much he has faith in himself and the determination he had to try his luck [en Australie] while not being vaccinated.
I saw that France had just introduced the vaccination pass, players will have to be vaccinated to play tournaments there. If the situation [de Djokovic] continues, it will be a lot of pressure to manage, even if you are 100% convinced that you are in your right. He has already shown that he has an incredible ability to withstand pressure, but it’s a tall order, we’ll see how things turn out.
You yourself have experienced setbacks in Melbourne. In 1990, you were disqualified in the round of 16 against Sweden’s Mikael Pernfors…
I would have preferred to tell you that I don’t remember very well, but in reality I do. I was leading two sets to one and 4-2 against me in the 4and set, I swung my racket, the referee stuck me a 2and Warning [après un premier pour intimidation d’un juge de ligne], I told him to let go of me [il finit par l’insulter et prend un 3e avertissement]. I was quite annoyed but I thought I was going to win, maybe in 5 sets. Except I wasn’t aware that they had changed the rules just before the tournament, which was that it only took three violations of the code of conduct to be kicked, compared to four in the past. My friend Mr. Palmieri [son agent] forgot to tell me. But at the end of the day, I only have to blame myself…
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