John McEnroe shares what he really wants tennis fans to say about him now he’s retired

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John McEnroe issued an honest response when asked how he wants to be remembered.

The American ended his tennis career as one of the greatest of all time and he is now one of the game’s most respected commentators.

The 65-year-old burst on to the scene in the late 1970s with a bold and brash personality that had rarely been seen in tennis at that time.

His electric serve and volley game was the most dangerous in the sport and it helped McEnroe win seven grand Slam titles, three of which came at Wimbledon.

How does John McEnroe want fans to remember him?

McEnroe will forever be remembered for his achievements on court and not being afraid to speak his mind.

But during his appearance on the Good Trouble Podcast with Nick Kyrgios, the former World number one explained why he wants to remain in the hearts and minds of fans on a deeper level.

“I would like that hopefully people recognise that I gave back to the sport which gave me a lot, that would be remembered, that people said he brought something to the table,” he said.

“Not just the talent to play the game but also with an intensity and personality. I think you need all that combination in our sport, sort of in every sport, and then to be an ambassador.

“I think in a way I am, because it’s not about me. When I do TV commentary it’s not about me, it’s about who is playing.”

What were John McEnroe’s greatest career achievements?

McEnroe claimed seven Grand Slam singles titles throughout his career, all of which came at Wimbledon and the US Open.

The American claimed his first major at Flushing Meadows in 1979, before contesting an epic five-set duel in the 1980 Wimbledon final with Björn Borg, which he lost 1–6, 7–5, 6–3, 6–7(16), 8–6.

McEnroe got some revenge in an epic US Open final against Borg later that year, and finally claimed the first of his three Wimbledon titles in 1981.

Between the years 1979 and 1992 at SW19, he won eight singles and doubles titles combined, which is a record.

The tennis legend also spent a combined 170 weeks as the World number one and claimed 77 titles throughout his career, the sixth-highest tally in the open era.