Published 02/04/2023, 10:45 AM EST
John McEnroe, the 7-time Grand Slam champion, has always been famous for his outbursts, particularly on the court. And thus followed his famous pseudonym, ‘Super Brat.’ However, once the tennis ‘Super Brat’ was also rendered speechless. After retiring from the tennis circuit, McEnroe is a coach and a famous commentator at tennis matches. However, back in time, during a match between the two ATP greats, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the tennis Super Brat was unable to find words.
It was a rare occurrence, but also a memorable one for the American tennis great. As the former World No.1 considered it, his best stint during his commentator career.
John McEnroe details his best commentary stint during Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s match
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It’s rare to see the 7-time Grand Slam champion be left speechless. However, it did happen, during the Wimbledon Championships final between the Swiss great and the Spaniard in 2008. The intensity which these two tennis legends brought to the court is remarkable. And it was this force which made McEnroe to be a part of the audience while sitting at the commentary desk.
During the screening of the ‘Strokes of Genius’, which revolved around the Federer-Nadal rivalry during the same final (which is also considered being the greatest match of all time), it reminded McEnroe of his rivalry with Bjorn Borg. And he could draw an analogy between the match for the Wimbledon title in 2008 and his match with Borg.
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Consequently, when the match between the Swiss ace and Nadal went to the fifth set, the tennis ‘Super Brat’ preferred to sit and watch. He said, “So that was the best time. Some of my best commentary work I ever did. In the 5th set, I didn’t say anything.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 22: Rafael Nadal of Spain is interviewed by John McEnroe after winning his quarter final match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Well, there are times in everyone’s life when it’s beautiful to sit back and enjoy the moments. And one could say the same for the 7-time Grand Slam Champion as he realized the special rivalry between the two tennis greats. Moreover, McEnroe has once detailed the qualities that makes the Spaniard the GOAT of tennis.
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Have you watched the 2008 Wimbledon Championships final? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments!