Despite an ‘Exhilarating’ and ‘Frustrating’ Experience, John McEnroe Once Revealed a Major Responsibility That Made Him Grateful – ‘Kept My Feet on the Ground’

Published 12/18/2022, 8:30 AM EST

Former American tennis star John McEnroe is among the top tennis analysts in the world today. Over the years, he has worked hard to change his image from his playing days. McEnroe, who was famous for his on-court meltdowns, credits a lot to one particular aspect of his married life for the change in attitude.

Back in 2004, in an interview, the American gave a detailed insight into both the positives and negatives of becoming a parent. He also explained its impact on his life.

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John McEnroe opens up about the advantages of becoming a parent

The ‘SuperBrat’, an angry tennis player, who used to argue with the umpires and his opponents, is a changed man now. When asked about the reason for the big change, the American said that it has come with parenting. Speaking about the changes that come with the responsibility of a father, the former world number 1 said to The Independent, in a unique question-and-answer session with fans in 2004, “They’ve made me a more patient person. They’ve kept my feet on the ground, my priorities in order and, in general, made me a better person.”

Further, the seven-time Grand Slam champion added, “There’s nothing more exhilarating and also frustrating than being a parent, but I’d like to think I’m a good one.”

‘Superbrat’ John McEnroe Once Made a Derisive Mockery of His Arch-Rival Over a Personal Chris Evert Revelation – ‘Airing Some Dirty Laundry’

McEnroe has three sons from his first marriage with Tatum O’Neal. After his divorce, McEnroe married rock singer Patricia Smyth and the couple has two daughters.

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McEnroe lists having children among the five things everyone should do before they die

In the same interview, McEnroe gave the five things a person should do before death. He started with playing music, involving in sports, and enjoying the arts. Further, he added having a beer and loving a woman. However, moments later, he made amendments to his list and took the beer out.

Instead, the former world number one replaced it with having children. The reason he gave for it is that having children puts everything in perspective. McEnroe also considered himself lucky as he did all the five things on the list.

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How many of the five things McEnroe mentioned have you done in your life? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Gaurav Verma is a Tennis Author at EssentiallySports. He has post graduate diploma in management from IILM Graduate School of Management and a BBA degree from Bangalore University. He has 1-year of experience in the banking sector.

Edited by:

Tony Thomas

Despite an ‘Exhilarating’ and ‘Frustrating’ Experience, John McEnroe Once Revealed a Major Responsibility That Made Him Grateful – ‘Kept My Feet on the Ground’

John McEnroe opens up about the advantages of becoming a parent

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McEnroe lists having children among the five things everyone should do before they die