John McEnroe's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of John McEnroe. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

John McEnroe is a retired American professional tennis player, renowned for his exceptional shot-making and volleying abilities. He achieved the world No. 1 ranking in both singles (for 170 weeks) and doubles (for 269 weeks), uniquely holding both simultaneously. His career was marked by intense rivalries with Björn Borg and Jimmy Connors. McEnroe's confrontational behavior on the court often led to disputes with umpires and tennis authorities, contributing to his controversial yet captivating image.

Sections (5)

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

1948: Youngest US Open Winner Since Gonzales

In 1979, John McEnroe became the youngest male winner of the singles title at the US Open since Pancho Gonzales in 1948.

1972: Davis Cup Win Since 1972

In 1978, McEnroe helped the U.S. capture the Davis Cup for the first time since 1972.

1977: First Grand Slam Doubles Title

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

1977: Success at the French Open and Wimbledon

In 1977, John McEnroe won the Junior singles and mixed doubles titles at the French Open and reached the Wimbledon semifinals as a qualifier.

1978: NCAA Title and ATP Tour Debut

In 1978, John McEnroe won the NCAA singles title and led Stanford to an NCAA championship. Later in 1978, he joined the ATP tour and signed his first professional endorsement deal with Sergio Tacchini.

1978: Davis Cup Victory

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

1979: Wimbledon and US Open Victories

In 1979, John McEnroe and Peter Fleming won the Wimbledon men's doubles title, followed by the US Open doubles title. McEnroe also won the singles US Open title, his first major singles title.

1979: Davis Cup Title

In 1979, John McEnroe was part of the title-winning Davis Cup team.

March 3, 1980: Became Top Ranked Player

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

1980: US Open Victory Over Borg

In 1980, John McEnroe defeated Björn Borg in the five-set final of the US Open.

1981: Finished as Top Ranked Player

In 1981, John McEnroe finished the year ranked No. 1.

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 title-winning Davis Cup team.

1981: US Open Win and Year-End Ranking

In 1981, John McEnroe won the US Open against Björn Borg, securing his third consecutive US Open title. He finished the year as the number one ranked player and was named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year.

1982: Victory Over Wilander

In 1982, John McEnroe achieved a 6-hour, 22-minute victory over Mats Wilander in the Davis Cup.

1982: Davis Cup Title

In 1982, John McEnroe was part of the title-winning Davis Cup team.

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 took the Masters Grand Prix title and finished the year-end as No. 1 ranking once again.

1984: Record-Breaking Season

In 1984, John McEnroe achieved a record of 82–3, marking the highest single-season win rate of the Open Era. He also was named the ATP Player of the Year and the ITF World Champion.

1984: Finished as Top Ranked Player

In 1984, John McEnroe finished the year ranked No. 1 for the fourth straight year.

1984: Best Season of Career

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

1984: World Team Cup Win

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

1985: World Team Cup Win

In 1985, John McEnroe helped the U.S. win the World Team Cup, defeating Czechoslovakia in the final for the second year in a row.

1988: Victory over Michael Chang at 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. Chang went on to win the title the following year.

1989: US Open Men's Doubles Title

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

1989: Fifth Title at World Championship Tennis Finals

In 1989, John McEnroe won a record fifth title at the World Championship Tennis Finals, defeating top-ranked Ivan Lendl in the semifinals. The WCT tour was being staged for the last time.

1991: Victory at Volvo Tennis-Chicago Tournament

In 1991, John McEnroe won the last edition of the Volvo Tennis-Chicago tournament, defeating his brother Patrick in the final. He also won both of his singles rubbers in the quarterfinal Davis Cup tie with Spain.

November 1992: Paris Indoor Doubles Title

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

1992: Wimbledon Men's Doubles Title

In 1992, John McEnroe and Michael Stich won the Wimbledon men's doubles title in a record-length 5-hour-1-minute final. Additionally, he reached the Wimbledon singles semi-finals. At the end of the year, he teamed with Pete Sampras to win the doubles rubber in the Davis Cup final, where the U.S. defeated Switzerland 3–1.

1992: Davis Cup Title

In 1992, John McEnroe was part of the title-winning Davis Cup team.

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 such as ESPN, CBS, NBC, and USA at major tournaments.

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2006: SAP Open Doubles Title

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. This was McEnroe's 78th doubles title and his first title since November 1992.

2007: Philippe Chatrier Award and 30 Rock Appearance

In 2007, John McEnroe received the Philippe Chatrier Award (the ITF's highest accolade) for his contributions to tennis. Later that year, he appeared on the NBC comedy 30 Rock as the host of a game show called "Gold Case."

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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, on the ATP Champions Tour.

2012: French Open Legends Doubles Title

In 2012, John McEnroe and his brother Patrick won the over-45 legends doubles competition at the French Open, defeating Guy Forget and Henri Leconte 7–6, 6–3.

2014: Another French Open Legends Doubles Title

In 2014, John McEnroe and his brother Patrick again won the over-45 legends doubles competition at the French Open, beating Andres Gomez and Mark Woodforde 4–6, 7–5, 1–0 (10–7).