John McEnroe is quite arguably one of the most criticized players in tennis. Known as the ‘Superbrat’ or ‘McBrat’, McEnroe has faced severe backlash from fans and pundits from time to time. However, true to his nature, he has not shied away from talking about it in public. Recently, during his podcast appearance with Ruthie on Ruthie’s Table 4, McEnroe talked about that one time when he felt humiliated.

He also elaborated on his partial admiration of one particular political figure in this aspect, and who would’ve guessed, it’s Donald Trump! Yes, John McEnroe was indeed inspired by the former US President that one time. Talking about the incident casually, McEnroe points out how significant it is while discussing Trump and his career.

John McEnroe follows Donald Trump’s action in this one aspect

John McEnroe talks about the time when he was boo-ed on the court before one of the historic matches of his career. In 1980, McEnroe was set to play Bjorn Borg in the Wimbledon finals. As soon as he stepped foot on the court, the audience started booing him and he felt humiliated.

“Didn’t feel that great,” McEnroe says, putting it lightly. “But I can always do what Trump did. Which was- I sat next to him once and we’re at a hockey game. And they would introduce quote-unquote celebrities. I’m hoping God, they don’t boo, you know!”

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And then he goes on to explain how the crowd did not boo him at all when his name was announced. Instead, he was applauded. Half an hour later, when they introduced Donald Trump with, “Ladies and Gentlemen, entrepreneur, real-estate icon…15,000 of the 17,000 people booed him,” says McEnroe.

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Then, to McEnroe’s surprise, after receiving this treatment two years before he ran for President, Trump looks at John and says, “John, they still love me.”

And right there, McEnroe “for the first time thought, that maybe he could be a politician”.

McEnroe’s major flex

To be fair, this podcast did center around some of these extraordinary moments in McEnroe’s life. He also touched on the topic of being invited to play in South Africa against Bjorn Borg. He had turned down the offer of a million dollars at the time and today; he regards it as one of the best decisions of his career.

Maybe that is what Nelson Mandela liked about McEnroe when he said, “It’s an honor to meet you,”: his unapologetic nature. Talking about how it felt to meet Mandela in person, McEnroe agreed that it was like meeting an angel. That Mandela was the most beautiful man McEnroe had ever seen.

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