What occurred on Sunday, July 6, 2008 in London, England can simply not be put into words.
I’m not going to even try to attempt to describe the gut-wrenching effort we saw from both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, the level of play that was simply out of this world, or the unfathomable mental toughness that both players displayed during their four-hours, 48-minute epic battle on Centre Court of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
But considering how big a tennis fan I am, I want to write something about this match. I just have to get my two cents in there about something—anything—that is related to the highest quality of tennis ever produced.
Not only were we tennis fans—and all sports fans, for that matter—treated to a brilliant match (yes, I know, that’s a severe understatement of the quality), but we were also treated to a wonderful broadcast.
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John McEnroe may have been a bad boy in his competitive days, but the man has always loved the game. And that love for tennis was evident in his broadcast.
McEnroe was dutifully objective, critiquing and praising both players throughout the entirety of the match. As a broadcaster, that’s very important, so that viewers do not become irritated by any partiality.
But the greatest part was that McEnroe was enjoying the match more than any of us viewers at home. He and Ted Robinson continually remarked about how lucky they were to be sitting there watching the match live.
And McEnroe reminded the audience over and over that we were watching two of the greatest players ever, one of them maybe the greatest ever, battling at a quality that has never before been seen.
He had so much energy and enthusiasm throughout the match, all the while providing expert analysis that most others cannot deliver. McEnroe is a legend, a multiple Slam winner, so he knows what these guys are going through. Still, even he remarked over and over about the impressiveness of the players’ mental toughness.
As great as McEnroe was in the booth, his post-match interviews with Federer and Nadal were even better.
When he recognized that Federer was emotionally drained and beginning to tear up, McEnroe cut the interview short. Then he hugged Federer and thanked him for what he’s done for tennis. Can you think of another interview where you saw something like that?
McEnroe may have been a punk in his younger days, but on Sunday he showed that he’s now become much more mature, displaying absolute class in his coverage of the Wimbledon final.
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about 1 month ago
Great read!
about 1 month ago
Watching it on the BBC, we certainly missed McEnroe's great commentary, he was there for the whole bloody tournament, but for the final we got possibly the worst commentary I've every had from Tim Henman and some other low-life whose name I cannot even be bothered to find out. A real let down for a great match, and a real disappointment to a great championship
from about 1 month ago
I feel for you. The tennis was unbelievable and would have been great to watch even in silence. But to have McEnroe doing the broadcast only enhanced the experience. I'm sorry you had to endure Tim Henman and some other no-namer while in America we were fortunate enough to enjoy McEnroe's commentary.
about 1 month ago
fantastic
about 1 month ago
Hello,
Sitting in Atlanta, GA, I just want to share my comments -- btw, I came to your column because I google "John McEnroe" commentary -- I was so impressed by his commentary that I wondered if anyone oelse agreed with me. I am glad that someone did and your columns summed up my sentiments too. To see a legend like him repeatedly say that we were so fortunate to watch that match, was something else. This was one of those matched that remind of of where I was when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, when India won the cricket world cup in 1983, when Michael Jordan took that last shot against Utah in 1998 to win his 6th title...I could go on....
My point is, John McEnroe was mature, was sharp, was obviously tense by the match's proceedings and, yet, was thankful for what Rafa and Roger came up with. I am so truly blessed to have heard his commentary for that match. It reminded me of how overlooked another aspect of his game was -- his doubles record, with peter Fleming. McEnroe was one of THE pre-eminent proponents of the doubles game and, somehow, I have always felt that the pundits never game him due credit for being a champion doubles player too.
Thank you for your wonderful column.
from about 1 month ago
Thank you for reading. That match was definitely an epic and when people were talking about it the next day, Jordan's shot against Utah in 1998 was one of the first things that came to my mind...so I'm with you. It's one of those rare spectacles you get to see in a lifetime.
And you are definitely not alone because I think there are tons of people out there who enjoyed hearing McEnroe call the match. He's the best tennis commentator and to hear him praise Rafa, Roger, and the level of play that occurred in that match was just wonderful.
Thanks for reading and I appreciate your comment.
about 1 month ago
Agree that England missed McEnroe, but it didn't ruin the final. McEnroe and Becker are miles ahead of the other pundits - purely, as you say, because of their enthusiam for tennis. They'd still be playing if they could.
from about 1 month ago
No doubt, Barnaby. McEnroe and Becker love and respect the game so much; the have a passion for tennis that is unmatched by others.
from about 1 month ago
I didnt have the chance to listen to McEnroe this time but when I did for the MSG exhibition match between Sampras and Federer, I was a bit disappointed. McEnroe was talking a lot but not about the match at hand.. he was unfocussed and didn't seem to care much for what was going on. He didn't really point out anything insightful either.... and sometimes I just wanted to shout "shut up!! let us enjoy this match.."
about 1 month ago
Great point that has been missed by most - the moment between Mcenroe and Federer was priceless and brought tears to my eyes.
Bravo Johnny Mac!
from about 1 month ago
That was definitely one of the most touching moments I've witnessed in sports. It was such a classy thing for McEnroe to do, and it really looked like Federer actually needed that hug. He almost sank into McEnroe's arms before leaving the room. It's crazy to think that you can feel bad for the No. 1 player in the world, but I know I did at that moment.
about 1 month ago
Mac is pure class. He's not afraid to tell it like it is, yet he doesn't give harsh commentary just to be controversial like some other announcers (namely Johnny Miller of NBC Golf).
Unfortunately I didn't get to see the interview, but I will look for it on YouTube. Send me a link if anyone has an online video, I'd love to watch.
from about 1 month ago
Kyle, here's a link I found. You should definitely watch. It's not much, but if the saying is that a picture is worth a thousand words, then perhaps a video is worth 10,000. Enjoy...
http://www.faniq.com/blog/Video-John-McEnroe-Post-Wimbledon-Final-Interview-With-Roger-Federer-Blog-10087
about 1 month ago
I loved Mac on Sunday more than I ever loved him before. He was as amazed as the viewers and him saying it was the best tennis match he had ever seen meant a lot. It brought tears to my eyes and made the match even greater. The entire final was the best sporting event I have ever seen.
about 1 month ago
Johnny Mac truly made me believe in the beauty of sports Sunday, with his actions and words throughout the entire broadcast. Being young, I never had the chance to watch him play, thus I was left with the overall impression of his "bad boy" image. But this...this changed everything. He's an icon and a legend in tennis.
This is my pick of the day because I feel so strongly about this, and I'm glad you agree!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks, Tyler, I appreciate the pick. And I absolutely agree. McEnroe meant so much to the game when he played, and means so much to the game currently. He's so humble now, and you could tell how much respect he has for both Federer and Nadal.
about 1 month ago
The reality is that in Sports as in Life perspective is everything. It is so easy to pass by something great, be it a painting or an invention, without so much as noticing it if you have no reference within you to compare its greatness to. But when a true master acknowledges the greatness (and even more so when, as in McEnroe's case, when the master is given a forum to speak) a new light is shown on the subject and we become aware of what we are witnessing. McEnroe has been the best sports commentator by far in my mind for years. No one even comes close. All you ask of a commentator is that they make relevant, interesting comments that enhance the special that they are commenting on. In McEnroe's case we have a former champion of the sport who is unquestionably well spoken, and who is relevant enough that none other than Rafa Nadal asked him to be his warm up partner before his Simi-Final match! Unbelievable! McEnroe is sitting there making comments about how he would hit a ball that he thought had put Nadal in trouble only to see Rafa send it back as a winner. Priceless! This absolutely brought McEnroe to a whole different level to me. The guy is the insiders insider in a sport where no one gets inside because its just you and your opponent. Not only is John McEnroe the Best Sports Commentator out there today, he is one of the most fascinating sports personalities of all time. Well done John!
from about 1 month ago
Well put, Brian. I completely agree that McEnroe is definitely one of the best sports commentators out there. He has a great vocabulary, unparalleled knowledge, and a certain charisma, even in the booth. McEnroe is wonderful to listen to, and it was great to hear how excited he was to have been able to warm up with Nadal. McEnroe is someone that people compare current tennis players to, but meanwhile he feels honored when Nadal asks him to hit around. McEnroe is very sincere while also being honest during his commentary. He's simply wonderful to listen to, and he enhances the experience of watching any tennis match.
about 1 month ago
Excellent, unique topic Matthew.
Although I missed his commentary (BBC watcher here too - I thought Henman wasn't too bad for his first try), I always find McEnroe to be a great entertaining commentator. A definite tension building commentator. He's got great timing, catchy catchphrase and like great players, really rises to the occassion. Excuse me if this sounds a bit racist, but I reckon that him being an american helps as they always makes things sound more dramatic!
Seriously though, when you hear John Motson rambling on, stuttering his words, you do realise how lucky Tennis is to have a great commentator like McEnroe.
Another commentator I really like is Willie Thorne, who commentates on Snooker matches. He really knows his Snooker and always provides intelligent comments. As a knowledgeable Snooker tactician, when he criticizes players he's usually right which gives him more credibility than when any old commentator is giving advice on what a player should do.
from about 1 month ago
I agree, Steven. McEnroe definitely provides a unique perspective for his commentary. And he's so accomplished that he's in a position to critique players. The great thing about McEnroe is that he doesn't criticize players just to criticize them, but always does so fairly and at the right time. Obviously the players respect it also, seeing as Nadal asked him to be his hitting partner before his semifinal match at Wimbledon.
Thanks for reading and thanks for the comment.
from about 1 month ago
You're a real nice guy Matthew! Thanks for replying to my comment!
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