Sue Barker presents an intimate profile of the tennis champion. The programme features contributions from family and friends including his wife - new wave singer-songwriter Patty Smyth - long-time sporting rival Bjorn Borg, and Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, who provides an insight into McEnroe's musical passions. Sue pays a visit to McEnroe's art gallery and examines how he has continued playing until the age of 60 after his retirement from the professional circuit.
Tennis legend, musician, art dealer, pundit: the component parts of John McEnroe are well scattered, as Sue Barker discovers in a profile that promises to join the dots of a fascinating career.
She’ll revisit his playing days as the Superbrat who believed everyone was against him (or pretended he did, to get fired up). Now we know him as a mellower presence, the wry sage of the commentary box, like an outspoken uncle who has seen it all. There’s also the rock fan and guitarist (Barker talks to his buddy Chrissie Hynde) and the art lover – he has his own gallery.
But what we really want is to revisit what you might call the sweatband years, when he terrorised opponents and umpires alike: Barker hears from Bjorn Borg about their great rivalry and we see how McEnroe is still competing at 60, the oldest man playing on the tour.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Sue Barker |
| Contributor | Patty Smyth |
| Contributor | Bjorn Borg |
| Contributor | Chrissie Hynde |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Executive producer | Carl Doran |
| Producer | Jo McCusker |
