John McEnroe advocates for a more fiery attitude in tennis

By | Niranjan Bhargav 21 Feb, 2023

Tennis legend John McEnroe has shared his thoughts on the state of the modern game, stating that he believes players can be too “cold and professional” and that he would like to see more players express their emotions on the court. While McEnroe admits that high-profile outbursts like Nick Kyrgios‘ are rare, he feels that the sport has become too sterile and could benefit from more displays of passion and intensity.

McEnroe’s Take on Meltdowns and Broken Rackets:

During a recent Twitter Q&A, McEnroe spoke about the lack of on-court meltdowns in the modern game, stating that players are “incredibly well-behaved” and that he would like to see more emotion and passion from the players. McEnroe believes that his own outbursts were always a result of his emotions boiling over, rather than a calculated tactic to throw off his opponents.

McEnroe also spoke about the issue of players breaking their rackets, suggesting that a compromise could be reached by allowing players to break their rackets and then give them to fans in the stands as a keepsake. He acknowledged that it may not be practical for a fan to actually use a professional’s racket, but suggested that it could be displayed as a piece of art.

Tips for Aspiring Tennis Players:

McEnroe also shared some advice for aspiring tennis players, encouraging them to adopt a mantra of “don’t beat yourself” and to remember that “it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose until you lose.” He stressed the importance of embracing the fear of failure and using it as a motivator, rather than allowing it to overwhelm them.

In conclusion, John McEnroe’s recent comments about the state of modern tennis have sparked discussion about the role of emotions and passion in the sport. While some may argue that displays of anger and frustration are unprofessional, McEnroe believes that they are an essential part of the game and that they can help players to perform at their best. Whether or not players take McEnroe’s advice to heart, his perspective is sure to continue to generate conversation and debate in the world of tennis.