John McEnroe recalls how Jack Nicholson once motivated him to kick Jimmy Connors’ a** at the US Open
John McEnroe gave his insight into how much of a morale booster Jack Nicholson was during his US Open matchup against Jimmy Connors.
Follow Us
John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors during their matchup. (credits: Tennis365, TokyVideo)
Tennis legend John McEnroe has given the tennis world several historical moments to cherish, and something similar took place when he shared a great story in his interview with Bartoli Time on RMC. He was asked by the moderators to share a moment during his playing days at the US Open when he got too explosive or too angry about something.
McEnroe recalled his matchup against Jimmy Connors back in the day, and one of the most celebrated celebrities was present in the stadium to watch him deliver. It was none other than the famous Jack Nicholson, who was even cheering for McEnroe to get the better of Connors. It was at this moment that MnEnroe got boosted up with confidence, and he finally won the match, giving it back to Nicholson.
McEnroe said, “I had a moment where I was playing against Jimmy Connors, and back then we used to have celebrities on the court. But, at the time, there were celebrities on the courts, Jack Nicholson was three feet away from me, and I was like. Oh my god, this is amazing, he’s my favorite actor, I have to kick ass by Jimmy Connors to show him who I am. And he kept saying “Johnny Mac! Johnny Mac!” I was pumped up, it helped me win a match like that.”
What did John McEnroe make of the present stars battling it out at the 2023 US Open?
John McEnroe has given his insight on the players who have performed so well at the ongoing US Open. He has been impressed by the playing styles of Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev this tournament and rates them as the ones to fight it out with Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic for the title.
Besides that, John wants an American to go all the way in the competition, as it has been way too long since an American won the competition, and he keeps relying on Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz.
He said, “I think it gives hope to other players like Medvedev who won one, Sinner, who, for me, is playing the best tennis of his life. And we need an American player, in the United States.”
Continuing his train of thought, he further added, “Tiafoe looks good, so does Fritz, so does Paul, Ben Shelton could be a top 5 player, that’s exciting. Beating Djokovic or Alcaraz won’t be easy, but it would be huge for an American to beat them.”
In case you missed it:
- Coco Gauff left ecstatic after a personal meeting with the Obamas following her dramatic opening-round win at the 2023 US Open
- Roger Federer ‘changed’ the game says Iga Swiatek showering praise on the joint-most US Open title winner
Stay Updated!
Soumyadeep Mondal
(882 Articles Published)