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John McEnroe once expressed deep sadness over the treatment that British tabloids subjected tennis players to.
McEnroe's career was marked by controversy, drawing both admiration and criticism from fans and the media alike. British tabloids, in particular, often displayed hostility towards him.
Not just McEnroe, many players from both men's and women's sides faced intrusive questioning from British reporters. This was particularly evident during Wimbledon 1984.
Martina Navratilova's relationship with her then-girlfriend Judy Nelson was scrutinized. Chris Evert was repeatedly questioned about her separation from her ex-husband John Lloyd. Jimmy Arias and his girlfriend Carling Bassett's relationship alongside Scott Davis' elopement with ex-wife Susie Jaeger were all subjects of intense media attention.
John McEnroe consistently spoke out against the treatment of players by British tabloids, who famously dubbed him 'SuperBrat.' He reiterated his frustrations to the press following his triumph at the 1984 Wimbledon Championships.
"It's really a shame what they do over here. They have no sense of caring for you as a human being, and that's kind of sad," McEnroe said (via The New York Times).
When asked why he boycotted his press conference from being broadcast on television, the American replied:
"I'm trying to go out and play tennis. I decided to let my racket do the talking. They're distorting what I say without showing the whole interview."
John McEnroe blasted the British media for spreading rumors about his engagement with ex-wife Tatum O'Neal
John McEnroe's conflict with the British media appeared to have no resolution at one point.
Before the 1985 Wimbledon Championships, media outlets reported that the American had become engaged to his then-girlfriend Tatum O'Neal in Paris, with the wedding planned to follow the English Major.
McEnroe expressed his anger during an interview the same year, blasting the media for focusing on his personal life. He shared that O'Neal was being forced to stay away from SW19 due to the unnecessary buzz created by the media, which he believed should not have been the news.
"It’s not because of my friendship with Tatum, it’s what’s being written about it...the constant things that are being made up and not even asked," McEnroe said (via Los Angeles Times).
"The reason she’s not here is because I don’t want to deal with that situation. That’s not the way it should be. You’re supposed to come here and enjoy it. I want to come here and play tennis," he added.
The couple eventually tied the knot in 1986, but separated six years later. They share three children: Kevin, Sean and Emily.
