

John McEnroe has always been a controversial figure on the court. Although his game was class, his language was not something one considered classy. His on-court behavior frequently landed him in trouble with the umpires and the officials. However, he was a playboy in his personal life. He had gotten used to having special treatment at several venues and with the ladies. As per an excerpt from his 2017 book, McEnroe was used to having ladies throw themselves at him. Due to such a situation, he had to learn how to be in a relationship after he started dating his second wife, Patty Smyth.
John McEnroe the playboy
In his book, ‘But Seriously’, McEnroe’s wife, Patty Smyth, commented on a time during which her husband was quite detached. After a brief meeting, she told him that she came to New York often, where McEnroe’s gallery used to be. Smyth said that it was the moment where he had to give her his number or his card. However, McEnroe did nothing of the sort, as he was ‘dull’.
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McEnroe had gotten used to ‘women throwing themselves at him’. It was because he was good looking, famous and wealthy, he had the ‘triple crown’ added Smyth.

via Getty
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)
“So I told him,”I come to New York all the time, maybe I’ll stop by to see the gallery.” That, to me, was the cue for him to give me his card or to say, “Yeah, why don’t you take my number down?” But he didn’t, because he was a but dull around the edges when it came to that sort of thing. He had gotten used to women throwing themselves at him.”
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Read more – Mindy Kaling Reveals Interesting Reason Behind Casting John McEnroe In “Never Have I Ever”
She felt that something special took place between the two, as McEnroe had actually opened up to her that night and shared intimate details with her. “And I would never ask for a guy’s number – I’d never do it.” she recounted.
“But I do remember feeling like something real had happened, that we had really clicked. John seemed like a sweet person. He was talking to me about his divorce and how hard it was and how he cried at night.”
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Watch this story – ‘Don’t Like That Part’- ‘Superbrat’ John McEnroe Recently Recalled Distasteful Serena Williams Comparison That Bothered Him for 25 Years
John McEnroe and Patty Smyth got hitched in 1997 after having been together for quite some time. Although McEnroe was an aggressive personality on the court, off the court, he was anything but.
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