Tennis has always been a mentally demanding sport. Earlier, it implied that one should have control over his/her emotions to win a match and survive the competition. Today, in addition to that, a professional has to be strong enough to cope with the rise and fall of fans’ liking and interest in them. Regarding the same, a year ago, Chris Evert and John McEnroe shared their thoughts.

Social media has provided people with a platform through which fans can reach their idols and convey their thoughts. Though there are many who stand by their favorite no matter what, others constantly search for instances based on which they can berate a player.

Evert and John McEnroe about having a career away from social media infestation

While in an interview, the former World no.1s stumbled upon the question about how the arrival of social media platforms such as Twitter has changed the game. In response, Evert said, “I don’t know. John and I got through it.”

“I think John had it tougher than I did. He seemed to have gotten through it unscathed, pretty good shape. Probably should ask him, too.” The 18 times Grand Slam champion added.

“Well, I’m not on social media, number one. I feel like I could have got myself in a hell of a lot of trouble had I been back in the day. Maybe even now. But certainly back in the day.” John McEnroe replied. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has spoken multiple times about how the media pressured him.

The veteran was at the peak of his career when he got romantically involved with Hollywood actress Tatum O’Neal. They eventually tied the knot in the year 1986. And following that, the media pressure for performing better started to build upon the American ace. Being a famous couple, they became the paparazzi’s target.

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McEnroe’s US Open trophy from 1984 became his last Grand Slam trophy. His game and relationship both went down a steep slope. He and O’Neal decided to part ways in 1994. In the same year, he packed his singles career as well.

What is McEnroe up to these days?

After taking retirement from the sport in the year 2006, McEnroe got inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and decided to stay in touch with the sport. He took the role of sports commentator on channels such as ESPN, CBS NBC, and BBC.

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Apart from that, he also signed up to lead Team World in the Laver Cup.