Roger Federer brings down curtain on his career with a defeat, but still dazzles alongside longtime friend and rival Rafael Nadal in one of the most fascinating matches in tennis history.
In his last match of the year, John McEnroe could not have imagined it would be the last he would ever play, or the last he would ever hit a ball.
The tennis world mourns its greatest player, and his final victory at Wimbledon, where he played his last match of the year. The American tennis legend John McEnroe. (Peter Macdiarmid/The Canadian Press)
In his final match of the year, John McEnroe could not have imagined it would be the last he would ever play, or the last he would ever hit a ball.
The tennis world mourns its greatest player, and his final victory at Wimbledon, where he played his last match of the year.
The American tennis legend John McEnroe was at the service door of his mother’s home outside Kansas City, Mo., Friday when the telephone rang.
“It was my mother and she tells me, ‘Son, we knew you were ill and your mother was in the hospital in Kansas City and we are told your doctors don’t expect you to make it. I’m here with my kids and my children and we are all crying. There’s a lot of people here and it’s the last day we all know you will ever play on our court,'” McEnroe said.
“My doctors were so happy that I was well enough to play tonight, my last match at Wimbledon, with my friend, Nadal. He’s one of the best players in the world,” the legendary professional player and former Australian Open champion said.
“It’s the final day his life is lived. And I said, ‘What do you mean, the final day?'” McEnroe said.
Nadal, a 24-time Grand Slam singles champion who is also one of sports’ greatest competitors, said he was “happy to make it” with McEnroe.