John McEnroe — Career, Controversies & What He's Doing Now

John McEnroe is one of those athletes you either cheer for or love to argue about. His left-handed serve-and-volley game changed how people attacked the net, and his fiery reactions — the famous "You cannot be serious!" outbursts — made him must-watch TV. This page gives a clear, practical look at his career, his biggest moments, and where to find him today.

Quick career highlights

McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles: four US Opens (1979–1981, 1984) and three Wimbledons (1981, 1983, 1984). He mixed supreme touch with aggressive net play, making volleys and angles look effortless. Beyond singles, he was a top doubles player and a key part of the United States in Davis Cup ties during his peak years.

He had one of the most famous rivalries in tennis with Björn Borg. Their matches — intense, close, and dramatic — are still replayed by fans. That rivalry even inspired the film "Borg vs McEnroe," which dramatizes their 1980 Wimbledon final and the personal pressure both players felt.

Temper, controversy and public image

McEnroe's court tantrums are part of his legacy. Umpire clashes, racket tosses, and heated exchanges got headlines, but they also exposed a player who cared fiercely about fairness and standards. Off court he softened his image over time: he wrote an autobiography titled "You Cannot Be Serious," appeared in documentaries, and became a public voice on tennis and sport.

If you want quick facts: he reached world No. 1 in singles in 1980 and finished several seasons as the top-ranked player. He kept playing exhibition and veteran events for years, showing his touch hasn’t vanished even as the tour evolved.

Where to watch and follow McEnroe now

McEnroe is easy to find if you like tennis commentary and special events. He’s been a TV analyst for major broadcasters, appears at the Laver Cup as a captain and commentator, and turns up at exhibition matches. Look for his commentary during Grand Slams on major networks, search classic matches on YouTube, or check tennis streaming services like Tennis TV for archival clips. Documentary platforms and sports channels also feature interviews and retrospectives on his career.

Want something more personal? His autobiography and several long-form interviews explore his thinking on tennis, pressure, and life after full-time competition. The Laver Cup is a good live spot to see him on the sidelines, shaping team tactics and sharing quick takes between matches.

Why he still matters: McEnroe brought flair and grit to modern tennis. Coaches still teach net skills he mastered, and young players study his touch and tactical variety. Whether you love his outbursts or admire his skill, McEnroe left a mark on the game that you can still spot in today’s tactics and TV commentary.

Want more on players like McEnroe or classic match breakdowns? Scroll the tag page for match recaps, documentaries, and analysis that dig into tennis history and today’s stars.