McIntyre Tennis

Marcelos Rios v. John McEnroe Today

"I've been waiting a long time for this...The more he get mad, the more I try to kick his ass, man." said Rios, looking to embarrass the American who as a television commentator was critical of the Chilean during his final years on tour.

Sure there's bad blood, but come on, dude! He could be your father. I must say, though, thank god for the senior tour; there's not all that much smack-talking these days (at least on the ATP Tour ;-)). I still think Djokovic will change all that once he makes his breakthrough.

Rios Talks of McEnroe Ass-Kicking in Senior Final

Audio: Marcelos Rios / John McEnroe

Blake to McEnroe: 'Bitch, Please'

Ok, not exactly, but close: John McEnroe and others have piled on American tennis lately, and Blake was predictably assailed with questions about the Demise of American Tennis after his loss to Gasquet. Blake was clearly irritated at Johnny Mac's (secondhand) assertion that the Americans players lack the necessary drive:

"He's got the right to say that," allowed Blake, "[but] I don't think he's ever seen me on the practice court. I don't think he's ever seen me working out in the Tampa heat."

"I don't think he's seen Andy working out in Austin. I don't think he's ever come to one of our Davis Cup practices where we're pushing each other for hours on end. If he questions that drive, it's his prerogative."

Ouch. I think that qualifies as Mad as Hell for Blake; I've never seen read him so agitated. Also, funny that John McEnroe was (in)famous for not being an avid work out/practice type. You sort of get the feeling that Blake knows that story.

Read 'Blake denies US in decline'

McEnroe and Word Team Tennis

Nice piece on how Johnny Mac can still bring da noise.

McEnroe Academy?

No, this isn't a skit idea for a comedy sketch show, it's actually a pretty good idea.

Choice quote: "I've always talked about opportunity and availability and affordability," McEnroe said during an interview Sunday. "I think in other countries they do a better job of that, and I'd like to see that change."

Read 'McEnroe Envisions a Namesake Academy for Youths'

"You Can Quote Me on That"

I just got this in the mail today and it's pretty great. Here's Ivan Lendl  on John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors in 1987:

"I think Connors believes he has to hate everybody he plays [in order]  to play better, and McEnroe hates just about everyone who can beat him. He used to hate Jimmy Connors and me. Now he has to hate the top 50."

Ouch. Man, I miss the days of smack-talking tennis! I think I'll post a good quote every couple days.

Check out author Paul Fein's site www.tennisquotes.com for more info about the book and to get an autographed copy!

Video: McBrat Then and Now

A look back at classic John McEnroe and McEnroe spoofing himself in a recent tv ad. My god, I love John McEnroe.

McEnroe Backs the Women's Campaign; talks Serena's Acting

McEnroe Supports the Ladies, Makes Carillo Cry

Also, McEnroe on the Williams Sisters and Serena's acting, allegations of domestic abuse, and anger management.

McEnroe on Henman-Federer, Murray, Roddick

Call me crazy, but I think Henman has a shot (Henman thinks so, too). Henman still leads their head-to-head 6-4 and was the guy who knocked Federer out right after he took out Pete Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001. Roger has said that the way to beat him is at the net. That's Henman's game when he plays it (he didn't play it as much against Soderling) and this is Henman's surface and crowd. Sure Center Court may belong to Roger, but the country belongs to Tim.

John McEnroe on Wimbledon(BBC) /John McEnroe on Roddick (LA Times)

Nice McEnroe Interview

Great John McEnroe interview from the Times UK.

You Don't Have to Win Them All
John McEnroe on Andy Murray, tight shorts and why Wimbledon is easier than caring for children

McEnroe reteams with Bjorkman

What fun! They'll play doubles at the Stockholm Open in October. Here's more info.