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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 22: Team World captain John McEnroe at Lo Presti Park following the official team portrait on September 22, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 22: Team World captain John McEnroe at Lo Presti Park following the official team portrait on September 22, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
John McEnroe today is a perfect gentleman, people love to watch on their tv screens. The tennis legend is among the most respected sports broadcasters. However, in his playing days, the American had the image of an angry man. He often argued with umpires, fought with opponents, and remained in the headlines for his controversial behavior.
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Although off the court, he was more relaxed. But an incident back in 1990 put him in a poor light. The incident happened at the San Francisco airport where an angry McEnroe injured one of the flight attendants.
John McEnroe injured an airline staff
Back in 1990, McEnroe was traveling to Hawaii with his family. He took a flight from Los Angeles and had to change the flight to San Francisco. A delayed arrival in San Francisco meant he was late for his next flight to Hawaii. While he was almost ready to board the plane, his family still wasn’t there and McEnroe wanted them to wait.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: John McEnroe of the United States reacts during the mixed doubles match between John McEnroe of the United States and his partner Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Martina Navratilova of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain during the Wimbledon No. 1 Court Celebration in support of the Wimbledon Foundation at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on May 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
When the attendant tried to close the door, McEnroe pushed her. According to the airline spokeswoman, the attendant broke her finger because of it. Later, McEnroe was detained at the Airport but was later released after both parties agreed to shake hands.
Read more: ‘Superbrat’ John McEnroe Dissects Nick Kyrgios’ Inability to Win Grand Slams – ‘Afraid of Failing’
The airline company and the airport didn’t press any charges against the tennis star. However, the attendant could have done it personally, but she didn’t. In a way, McEnroe got away with what could be called an unacceptable mistake.
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McEnroe opens up about his anger issues
In a new documentary, McEnroe reflected on his troublesome past. The former world number 1 accepted that his anger was a major problem in his playing days. However, the legend claims that he has mellowed down with time and age. The seven-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about his strained relationship with his father.

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PARIS, FRANCE May 30. John McEnroe in the commentary booth on Court Philippe Chatrier during the 2022 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 30th 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Amidst all the chaos in his life, the American also paid a visit to 27 different psychologists and psychiatrists. However, nothing helped back then.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Nick Kyrgios’ uncontrollable rant at the chair umpire in the Miami Open 2022
Now, the American is making honest efforts and has done significantly well in his bid to become a good man. What’s your verdict for today’s McEnroe? Let us know in the comments.
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