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SALT LAKE CITY — John McEnroe has a reputation for being a competitive person.
The former pro is famous for his on-court rants, his on-court rivalries with Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg, and his seven Grand Slam titles. However, in his life off the court, McEnroe has become more famous for his commentating, his cameo appearances, and his role in the growth of tennis in the United States.
McEnroe joined fellow tennis legends Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and James Blake at EnergySolutions Arena for the Powershares Series Champions Challenge, an exhibition of former pros dedicated to growing the sport. Blake beat McEnroe in a tiebreaker 7-6 (7-5) to win his first ever Champions Challenge, in three events.
Of all the pros, McEnroe was the most pointed in his comments on the state of tennis, both domestically and internationally.
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“Tennis was at a great time as I was sort of peaking, and I feel a little concerned,” McEnroe said. “It’s lost its edge to a certain extent, there’s not enough interest. I’d also like to see more opportunities. I still think the game’s too expensive, and that hurts us.”
Both fans and media have lamented the lack of American stars in tennis today, compared to times past. Courier, who also serves as a captain in the Davis Cup matches, said it is unrealistic to expect American players to dominate tennis in today’s worldwide culture.
“There’s every reason to believe that we’ll have people like John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras, and players winning that many majors,” he said. “But, to expect (Americans) to have 20, 30 people in the top 100, the game has just changed and it’s gone much more international since it’s become an Olympic sport, so that’s never coming back.”
McEnroe said he hopes increased interest in the Davis Cup will fuel interest, but Courier said he doesn’t think that’s a realistic possibility.
“The Davis Cup competition does not work in America, as far as hitting the radar screen,” said Courier, who won two Australian and French opens. “Hopefully the owners of the Davis Cup will make a switch that will give it some kind of a status along the lines of a Ryder Cup or a President’s Cup. But, for right now, it’s a nice event when we play it in a place like San Diego.”
Still, even in advanced age, the American rivalries of tennis’ past still resonate with followers of the sport. For instance, McEnroe said he would enjoy an exhibition match with Connors.
“Everyone’s competitive,” said McEnroe, who famously clashed with Connors in a series of matches at Wimbledon. “Supposedly, there’s a rumor he’s going to play. I’ve been waiting (for Connors) for over 12 years.”
Sampras, who has competed in exhibitions after retirement with current pros like Roger Federer, said he still watches tennis.
“I like the matchups,” he said. “I like seeing Roger and (Rafael) Nadal, and seeing those two guys battle. (I like watching) just the top guys — how they compete against each other.
“I’m just a big fan of the game. The guys are so good, and seeing the top guys play live, like I did in Australia, was a thrill.”
All of the pros advocated their stance in doing whatever they can to help grow the sport in non-traditional tennis areas, like Salt Lake City. In his first-ever trip to Utah, Courier said he was pleased with the area.
“It’s a beautiful city,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed being here. I got up to Park City with friends for dinner, spent a really nice day in the city yesterday, so it’s a real pleasure to be here. It’s as beautiful as everyone says it is.”
Blake is the youngest retiree of the group, retiring after last year’s U.S. Open, and said he enjoys engaging the fans in clinics and exhibitions.
“It’s fun (to engage the fans),” Blake said. “I think it’s great to have people who are enthusiastic about tennis, in an area that probably doesn’t see as much top-level tennis. … It’s good to get fans out there having a good time, and just seeing a little bit more of our personality than we’re able to show when we’re taking it a little seriously.”
When questioned after his victory over McEnroe if he could still play on the ATP Tour, Blake was quick to dismiss a comeback in his future.
“I’m 34, and I can’t hang unless I’m training full speed ahead, 50 weeks out of the year,” he said. “I wanted to always take a little time off … and now I’m starting to think — should I do finance; should I do stuff in tennis; commentary; do some more of these exhibitions. I don’t really know, but I’m excited to see what else will fill that void that’s left without competing on the tour.”
