Tennis: Mac is back!

Tony Altobelli

It was nearly three years ago, but tennis legend John McEnroe still

remembers it like it was yesterday.

The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, who has won titles on the

most famous courts in the world had a vivid recollection of his last trip

to Newport Beach when he lost in the finals of The Challenge to long-time

nemesis Jimmy Connors, 6-4, 6-4 on June 20, 1998.

“It was Father’s Day and I brought my kids to see the finals,” McEnroe

said. “I was very disappointed I lost that match and I look forward to

returning to Newport Beach. My No. 1 goal is to play well and be in a

position to win. I don’t care who I play out there.”

Needless to say, the fire is still burning in the soon-to-be

42-year-old.

“I take it very serious,” he said. “I play to win, bottom line.”

McEnroe is set to play in the upcoming Champions Tour event May 9-13

at the Newport Beach Tennis Club. Others to compete in the event include

greats such as Henri LeConte, Pat Cash and Yannick Noah.

If McEnroe’s return is even half as exciting as the 1998 clash with

Connors, there will be plenty of bang for the buck.

Slammed rackets, serves launched out of the stadium and questionable

officiating led to a memorable finals for McEnroe, whose love for the

game runs just as hot as his temper.

“I think I’ve got two or three more years left out here,” McEnroe

said. “I’m hoping to play long enough to go up against some of the newer

players, should they decide to play. Guys like Boris Becker and Stefan

Edberg. Better competition means your game has to improve and rise to

that level. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.”

On why McEnroe continues to play, the answer is simple.

“It sure beats the hell out of working every day,” he said with a

laugh. “Tennis is in my blood. It keeps me in shape and even though it’s

not Wimbledon or anything, it gives me a second chance at playing.”

After his playing time comes to an end, McEnroe, who currently is a

tennis analyst for NBC, would still like to be close to the game and help

the next generation gain the exposure to the sport.

“I’d love to run a tennis academy at Flushing Meadows (New York),”

McEnroe said. “If the USTA would offer something like that to me, I’d be

more than interested in listening to what they have to say. I might have

my own radio show, which could lead to other things.”

Despite being older and wiser, McEnroe still is not afraid to say what

is on his mind.

On his matured game, he said, “I don’t like any part of my game

compared to when I was younger. No wait, I have a harder serve. It’s not

as accurate, but it’s hard.”

On the state of tennis, he said. “There’s way too many events. Too

many up and down players. The ranking system is a joke. There have been

problems that have been screaming to be fixed, but nothing gets done

about them. But yet, they still try to.

On why Edberg, 35, has not competed in the Champions Tour, he said,

“He must be afraid to play me or something.”

Tennis’ biggest issue? “There’s not enough kids playing nowadays,” he

said. “Most kids can’t afford to play. The development isn’t there. It’s

a game they just can’t relate to.”

Love him or hate him, one thing’s for sure. Tennis will never be the

same once McEnroe departs from it.