John McEnroe retired a legend of tennis, with seven Grand Slam titles won during the American’s glittering career.
McEnroe keeps up with current player Aleks Kovacevic, as well as taking on media duties in his spare time after retirement.
But it is his legendary playing career that he will be remembered for most, with 77 ATP Tour titles won in total.
McEnroe fittingly bowed out from Grand Slam tennis at the US Open in 1992, having lifted the singles trophy there four times.
American legend McEnroe was insulted by a photographer during that farewell, in which he lost to world number one Jim Courier.
John McEnroe knew top players were ‘a step ahead’ of him after 1992 US Open exit
And it was indeed immediately after that 1992 US Open fourth round tie when the seven-time Grand Slam champion knew it was time to retire from professional tennis.
Asked in his post-match press conference if he considered it might be his last appearance on that court, he replied: “Oh, definitely.
“No one can say for sure, but this is a pretty clear indication that Jim has outplayed me, and that the top guys are clearly a step ahead of me, and it is not really a difficult decision.”
Further expanding on his future at the US Open, McEnroe said: “It is a very tough decision, I am not going to say it’s an easy decision, but it is pretty clear that after all this, I mean, it is always tough to make a decision to stop playing, but based on where I was hoping to get to, that is not that tough.”
John McEnroe ‘very happy’ with his career after US Open farewell
McEnroe impressively reached the Wimbledon semi-finals that year, a competition which he won three times.
The former world number one also reached the Australian Open quarter-finals in 1992, but fell in the first round of the French Open.
READ MORE: The time Novak Djokovic teamed up with Pete Sampras to play doubles against John McEnroe
But after 16 consecutive US Open singles appearances, time was rapidly running out on his fantastic career.
Also asked if he was concerned about embarrassing himself by copying other athletes by staying around longer than they should have, he said: “I think that that is a pretty easy question to answer.
“I mean, you see that all the time. Athletes that go on to… it is, like I said, 99% of athletes, would probably quit at a different time if they could, but it just doesn’t work out that way.
“I have nothing to feel ashamed about. I did the best I could, and I am not asking… I don’t need any sympathy… I feel like I am very happy with my career.
“It is just one of those things. You got to decide sooner or later. That is just the way it is. It is not something that I am looking for sympathy, or… it is just one of those things.
“It looks like it is pretty clear to me. As I said, I am going to take December, January, February; not commit to anything and just see how I feel. But I suspect, it is, enough is enough.”
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