History of John McEnroe in Timeline

John McEnroe is a retired American professional tennis player who achieved world No. 1 rankings in both singles (170 weeks) and doubles (269 weeks), uniquely holding both simultaneously. Renowned for his exceptional shot-making and volleying abilities, he is equally remembered for his intense rivalries with Björn Borg and Jimmy Connors. McEnroe's career was also marked by his controversial on-court behavior, frequently leading to confrontations with officials and disciplinary actions.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1948: Pancho Gonzales US Open Win

In 1948, Pancho Gonzales won the US Open becoming the youngest male winner of the singles title at the US Open until John McEnroe matched the feat in 1979.

February 16, 1959: John McEnroe's Birth

On February 16, 1959, John Patrick McEnroe Jr. was born. He would later become a world No. 1 professional tennis player.

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1961: Family Moves to New York City

In 1961, the McEnroe family moved to New York City, settling in Flushing, Queens.

1964: Birth of Brother Mark

In 1964, John McEnroe's brother, Mark, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1966: Birth of Brother Patrick

In 1966, John McEnroe's brother, Patrick, who would also become a professional tennis player, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1972: Previous US Davis Cup Win

In 1978, John McEnroe won two singles rubbers in the final as the U.S. captured the Davis Cup for the first time since 1972, beating Great Britain in the final.

1977: Success at the French Open and Wimbledon

In 1977, 18-year-old John McEnroe won the Junior singles and mixed doubles titles at the French Open and reached the Wimbledon semifinals, marking a significant early achievement in his tennis career.

1977: Graduation from Trinity School

In 1977, John McEnroe graduated from Trinity School in Manhattan.

1977: First Grand Slam Doubles Title

In 1977, John McEnroe won his first Grand Slam doubles title at the French Open mixed doubles with Mary Carillo.

1977: US Open Exit

In 1983, John McEnroe was defeated in the fourth round of the US Open, his earliest exit since 1977.

1978: NCAA Title and ATP Tour Entry

In 1978, John McEnroe won the NCAA singles title while at Stanford University, leading his team to an NCAA championship. He subsequently joined the ATP tour and signed his first professional endorsement deal with Sergio Tacchini. He finished the year ranked No. 4.

1978: Davis Cup Victory

In 1978, John McEnroe won two singles rubbers in the final as the U.S. captured the Davis Cup for the first time since 1972, beating Great Britain in the final.

1979: Wimbledon and US Open Wins

In 1979, John McEnroe and Peter Fleming won the Wimbledon men's doubles title, followed by a win in the US Open doubles. McEnroe also won the singles US Open title, his first major singles title, and the season-ending WCT Finals. He finished the year ranked No. 3.

1979: Davis Cup Title

In 1979, John McEnroe was part of the U.S. team that won the Davis Cup.

March 3, 1980: First Time World Number One

On March 3, 1980, John McEnroe became the top-ranked singles player in the world for the first time.

1980: US Open Win and World No. 2 Ranking

In 1980, John McEnroe defeated Björn Borg in the five-set final of the US Open. He finished the year as the world No. 2 ranked player behind Borg.

1980: Wimbledon Final vs. Björn Borg

In 1980, John McEnroe reached the Wimbledon singles final for the first time, facing Björn Borg. Despite saving five championship points in a dramatic fourth-set tiebreaker, McEnroe lost the fifth set. This match was voted the third greatest open era Wimbledon men's singles final in a BBC poll in 2020.

1981: US Open Victory and Year-End No. 1 Ranking

In 1981, John McEnroe defeated Björn Borg in the final of the US Open, winning his third consecutive US Open singles title. He finished the year as the number one ranked player and was named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year.

1981: Controversy at Wimbledon

In 1981, John McEnroe faced controversy at Wimbledon, getting fined and nearly ejected for verbal abuse towards officials. This year also marked the popularization of his phrase "you cannot be serious".

1981: ATP Player of the Year and ITF World Champion

In 1981, John McEnroe was named the ATP Player of the Year and the ITF World Champion.

1981: Davis Cup Title

In 1981, John McEnroe was part of the U.S. team that won the Davis Cup.

1981: Finished the year ranked No. 1

John McEnroe was the top-ranked player on 14 separate occasions between 1980 and 1985 and finished the year ranked No. 1 four straight years from 1981 through 1984.

1982: Davis Cup Victory Over Wilander

In 1982, John McEnroe achieved a 6-hour, 22-minute victory over Mats Wilander in the Davis Cup, which at the time was the longest match in Davis Cup history.

1982: Wimbledon Loss and Year-End Ranking

In 1982, John McEnroe lost to Jimmy Connors in the Wimbledon final and was runner-up at the WCT Finals, but retained the ATP's world No. 1 ranking at the end of the year.

1982: Davis Cup Title

In 1982, John McEnroe was part of the U.S. team that won the Davis Cup.

1983: ATP Player of the Year and ITF World Champion

In 1983, John McEnroe was named the ATP Player of the Year and the ITF World Champion.

1983: Second Wimbledon Crown

In 1983, John McEnroe won his second Wimbledon title, defeating Chris Lewis in straight sets. He also reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and won the Masters Grand Prix title.

1984: ATP Player of the Year and ITF World Champion

In 1984, John McEnroe achieved a singles match record of 82-3, the best single-season win rate of the Open Era. He was also named the ATP Player of the Year and the ITF World Champion for that year.

1984: McEnroe's Best Season

In 1984, John McEnroe had his best season, compiling an 82–3 match record and winning 13 singles tournaments, including Wimbledon and the US Open. He secured the year-end No. 1 ranking.

1984: World Team Cup Victory

In 1984, John McEnroe helped the U.S. win the World Team Cup, defeating Czechoslovakia in the final.

1984: Finished the year ranked No. 1

John McEnroe was the top-ranked player on 14 separate occasions between 1980 and 1985 and finished the year ranked No. 1 four straight years from 1981 through 1984.

1985: World Team Cup Victory

In 1985, John McEnroe helped the U.S. win the World Team Cup, defeating Czechoslovakia in the final.

1985: US Open Final Loss

In 1985, John McEnroe reached the US Open final but was defeated by Ivan Lendl. He finished the year as the world No. 2 ranked player.

1985: Final Year as Top Ranked

John McEnroe was the top-ranked player on 14 separate occasions between 1980 and 1985 and finished the year ranked No. 1 four straight years from 1981 through 1984.

August 1, 1986: Marriage to Tatum O'Neal

On August 1, 1986, John McEnroe married actress Tatum O'Neal.

1986: Marriage to Tatum O'Neal

In 1986, John McEnroe married Tatum O'Neal, daughter of actor Ryan O'Neal.

1986: Post-sabbatical struggles

In 1986, John McEnroe struggled to regain his form after his sabbatical.

1987: US Open Quarterfinal Loss to Lendl

At the 1987 US Open, John McEnroe lost in straight sets in the quarterfinals to Ivan Lendl.

1987: Title Drought and Wimbledon Withdrawal

In 1987, John McEnroe failed to win a title for the first time since turning professional. He also withdrew from Wimbledon due to an injured back.

1988: French Open Fourth Round Loss to Lendl

At the 1988 French Open, John McEnroe lost a long four-set match, played over two days, in the fourth round to Ivan Lendl.

1988: Victory over Michael Chang at the French Open

In the 1988 French Open, John McEnroe defeated 16-year-old Michael Chang in the third round with a score of 6–0, 6–3, 6–1.

1989: Australian Open Quarterfinal Loss to Lendl

At the 1989 Australian Open, John McEnroe lost in straight sets in the quarterfinals to Ivan Lendl.

1989: Fifth Title at World Championship Tennis Finals, Wimbledon Semifinal and RCA Championship

In 1989, John McEnroe achieved multiple victories, including winning a record fifth title at the World Championship Tennis Finals by defeating top-ranked Ivan Lendl in the semifinals, reaching the Wimbledon semifinals after defeating Mats Wilander, and winning the RCA Championships in Indianapolis.

1989: US Open Men's Doubles Title

In 1989, John McEnroe won his fourth US Open men's doubles title with Mark Woodforde.

1989: End of WCT Finals

In 1989, the World Championship Tennis (WCT) Finals, where John McEnroe won five singles titles, ended.

October 22, 1990: Last time ranked in world's top ten

October 22, 1990 was the last time John McEnroe was ranked in the world's top ten in tennis.

1990: Disqualification from Australian Open

In his fourth-round match at the 1990 Australian Open against Mikael Pernfors, John McEnroe was ejected from the tournament for swearing at the umpire, supervisor, and referee and was fined $6,500.

1991: Birth of Daughter Emily

In 1991, John McEnroe and Tatum O'Neal had their third child, a daughter named Emily.

1991: Victory at Volvo Tennis-Chicago tournament

In 1991, John McEnroe won the last edition of the Volvo Tennis-Chicago tournament by defeating his brother Patrick in the final.

November 1992: Paris Indoor Doubles Title

In November 1992, John McEnroe captured the Paris Indoor doubles title with his brother Patrick.

1992: Retirement from Professional Tour

At the end of 1992, John McEnroe retired from the professional tennis tour, concluding his singles career ranked world No. 20.

1992: Victories at Australian Open and Wimbledon

In 1992, John McEnroe defeated Boris Becker at the Australian Open and reached the Wimbledon semifinals. He also teamed with Michael Stich to win the Wimbledon men's doubles title. At the end of the year, he teamed with Pete Sampras to win the doubles rubber in the Davis Cup final.

1992: Davis Cup Title

In 1992, John McEnroe was part of the U.S. team that won the Davis Cup.

1992: Wimbledon Men's Doubles Title

In 1992, John McEnroe won his fifth Wimbledon men's doubles title with Michael Stich.

1993: Opening of Art Gallery in Manhattan

In 1993, John McEnroe opened an American contemporary art gallery in Manhattan.

1994: Divorce from Tatum O'Neal

In 1994, John McEnroe and Tatum O'Neal divorced.

1994: Last Singles Match on ATP Tour

In 1994, John McEnroe played in one tournament as a wildcard at the Rotterdam Open, losing in the first round, which was his last singles match on the ATP Tour.

1997: Marriage to Patty Smyth

In 1997, John McEnroe married rock singer Patty Smyth.

1997: End of The Johnny Smyth Band and Marriage to Patty Smyth

In 1997, John McEnroe quit The Johnny Smyth Band just before finishing his first album. Also in 1997, he married singer-songwriter Patty Smyth.

1998: Sole Custody of Children

In 1998, John McEnroe was awarded sole custody of his children due to Tatum O'Neal's addiction to heroin.

September 1999: Appointment as U.S. Davis Cup Captain

In September 1999, John McEnroe became the U.S. Davis Cup captain.

1999: Induction into International Tennis Hall of Fame

In 1999, John McEnroe was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He also became a sports commentator for American television networks.

1999: Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon with Steffi Graf

In 1999, after Steffi Graf won the French Open, John McEnroe suggested they play mixed doubles at Wimbledon. They reached the semifinals but withdrew because Graf focused on the singles final.

November 2000: Resignation as U.S. Davis Cup Captain

In November 2000, John McEnroe resigned as the U.S. Davis Cup captain after 14 months, citing frustration with the Davis Cup schedule and format.

2000: Acknowledgement of Cocaine Use

In a 2000 interview, John McEnroe acknowledged he had used cocaine during his career, although he denied that the drug affected his play.

2001: ATP Acquisition of Champions Tour

In 2001, The ATP acquired the Champions Tour.

2002: Appearance in Mr. Deeds and Hosting The Chair

In 2002, John McEnroe played himself in Mr. Deeds and hosted the American game show The Chair on ABC as well as the British version on BBC One.

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2002: Release of Autobiography "You Cannot Be Serious"

In 2002, John McEnroe published his autobiography, "You Cannot Be Serious" (released as "Serious" in the UK).

You Cannot Be Serious

Check it on Amazon

July 2004: Debut of CNBC talk show McEnroe

In July 2004, John McEnroe began hosting a CNBC talk show titled McEnroe. The show was canceled within five months.

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2004: Claim of Unwitting Steroid Use

In 2004, John McEnroe stated that he had unwittingly taken steroids during much of his career, administered without his knowledge.

2006: Doubles Title at SAP Open

In 2006, John McEnroe returned to the ATP Tour and teamed with Jonas Björkman to win the doubles title at the SAP Open in San Jose, marking his 78th doubles title.

2007: Philippe Chatrier Award and Appearance on 30 Rock

In 2007, John McEnroe received the Philippe Chatrier Award for his contributions to tennis and appeared on the NBC comedy 30 Rock.

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2008: Appearance in You Don't Mess with the Zohan

In 2008, John McEnroe played himself in the movie You Don't Mess with the Zohan.

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2009: Appearance on 30 Rock's "Gavin Volure"

In 2009, John McEnroe appeared on 30 Rock in the episode "Gavin Volure", invited to dinner due to his connections to art collecting and yelling.

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2010: Founding of John McEnroe Tennis Academy

In 2010, John McEnroe founded the John McEnroe Tennis Academy on Randall's Island in New York City.

2010: Victory at Jean-Luc Lagardere Trophy

In 2010, John McEnroe won the Jean-Luc Lagardere Trophy in Paris, defeating Guy Forget in the final.

2012: Criticism of Bernard Tomic at US Open

In 2012, John McEnroe criticized Bernard Tomic for "tanking" against Andy Roddick at the US Open while commentating for ESPN.

2012: French Open Legends Doubles Title

In 2012, John McEnroe won the over-45 legends doubles competition at the French Open with his brother Patrick.

2014: Second French Open Legends Doubles Title

In 2014, John McEnroe and his brother Patrick won the over-45 legends doubles competition at the French Open for the second time.

August 2016: Part of Milos Raonic's Coaching Team

In August 2016, John McEnroe was part of Milos Raonic's coaching team.

2016: 26th Champions Tour Win

In 2016, John McEnroe secured his 26th win on the Champions Tour (a record since 2001), defeating Thomas Muster in Stockholm.

2017: Release of Autobiography "But Seriously"

In 2017, John McEnroe released his second autobiography, titled "But Seriously".

But Seriously

Check it on Amazon

2019: Australian Open Coverage

In 2019, John McEnroe was a central figure for Australian television network Nine's coverage of the Australian Open.

2020: Narrator for Never Have I Ever

In 2020, John McEnroe became the off-camera narrator for the TV show Never Have I Ever.

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2020: Australian Open Coverage

In 2020, John McEnroe was a central figure for Australian television network Nine's coverage of the Australian Open.

2020: Wimbledon Final Voted Third Greatest

In 2020, the 1980 Wimbledon final between John McEnroe and Björn Borg was voted the third greatest open era Wimbledon men's singles final in a BBC poll.

April 2, 2023: Participation in Million Dollar Pickleball Slam

On April 2, 2023, John McEnroe participated in the Million Dollar Pickleball Slam at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida, which was the first live airing of Pickleball on ESPN.