That is the overriding theme that I had while reading this book – that McEnroe wants everyone to know how many other famous people he has known and what he has done with them. What would you do to shake up British tennis/ American tennis/Australian tennis, Mac (select according to the hosting country)?

The result is a richly personal account, blending anecdote and reflection in an inspirational re-evaluation of what it means to be - and stay - successful. To me, Serious was almost like a coming-of-age novel, about a misunderstood young hero desperately wanting to join the ranks of his heroes, but never feeling quite good enough. He knows he’s been a bad boy, he loves telling his audience about his outbursts and how much he resents them, but he’s also very aware of the fact that his behaviour has helped him become a tennis superstar. Now the undisputed elder statesman of tennis, McEnroe has won over his critics as a matchless commentator and analyst at Wimbledon and other Grand Slam tournaments - with outspoken views on the modern game and its top players. I really enjoy when he curmudgeonly vilifies players for tanking during a match or for being pampered.Scrivere non è proprio il suo mestiere, ma guadagna terreno game dopo game, mettendo a punto qualche volé assolutamente grandiosa. How did he succeed in coming to terms with life as an ex-champion, and adjust to his new vocation as a broadcaster and gallerist? Visto il grande successo dell'autobiografia di Agassi il grande McEnroe ha pensato di provarci anche lui.

I'd been playing my best tennis ever, I was undefeated that year, and although serve-volleying wasn't the obvious way of winning the French Open on the slow clay of Roland-Garros, I was playing Ivan Lendl. Through his words, we know better also the other champions of the past: Borg, Connors, Vilas, Gerulaitis, Năstase. There is a very long passage about getting to play guitar for one song with Chrissy Hynde (one of his many “good friends” he talks about in the book) and the Pretenders. I would love to see the pros playing with wooden racquets, if only for a tournament, or even one match. John McEnroe today is probably better known for his TV tennis commentary, a job which he is fantastic at.

I hope to forget most of what I read in this book as I anticipate watching (and attending) the US Open. Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives.