AO 2021

[ElwoodBlues1]

I'm not sure I understand this perspective, people behaving appallingly deserve our respect!

I recall McEnroe being a knob on the court, I don't really recall him being precious or appalling off court, actually off court I have memories of him being quite charitable but maybe they aren't reliable memories given the distance. I don't count occasions when he was baited by media types, in that circumstance he has my permission to bite back.

You need a villain or two in any sport to drag the punters through the door, Jmac played his role to perfection, of course he had great ability too but seems to be remembered more for his flair ups and slanging matches with umpires.
End of the day though he made a great career out of being a knob on court but knew how to get it done off the court too and thats a skill on its own.
You look at Anna Kournikova now retired and Genie Bouchard, they just have to look good carrying a racket and wearing the designer tennis gear and its game set and match. You would be able to count the number of tournaments won from each on one hand and have fingers to spare at careers end but they will leave the game as winners, this is just how pro sport and in particular tennis rolls.
They wont go down in history as great players but having an angle to make money out of is all that counts.....but with all that comes this attitude and treat me as special behavior and in these CoVid times copping complaints from very privileged individuals like well to do Tennis players is very hard to handle . Leave the theatrics, and prima-donna stuff for the court and take a hit for the public who make your life so good and follow the rules like we all have to do is all the community wants from them in return for their special lifestyles.