Tennis legend John McEnroe, known as much for his fiery on-court outbursts as his sublime volleying skills, once revealed a personal anecdote that perfectly encapsulates the complex intersection of sports, politics, and personal relationships. The story involves a moment of defiance against a very specific piece of advice from his wife, singer and songwriter Patty Smyth, concerning a conversation with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The US Open Encounter
The incident occurred at the 2015 US Open, a tournament McEnroe knows intimately from his three championship victories there in the 1980s. Donald Trump, at that time a high-profile businessman and reality television star who had recently launched his presidential campaign, was in attendance at Flushing Meadows. McEnroe, working as a commentator for ESPN, found himself in the same vicinity as Trump. Seizing the opportunity, the former World No. 1 decided to engage the future president in a conversation. This decision, however, did not sit well with his spouse. McEnroe recounted on his “Never Be Done” podcast that Patty Smyth issued a clear and direct warning: “Don’t you dare go over and talk to Trump.” He admitted to his co-host, “I did it anyway.”
Patty Smyth's Strong Feelings
McEnroe’s revelation highlights a clear difference of opinion within his household regarding the 45th President. While McEnroe has often described himself as socially liberal but open to certain conservative economic policies, Smyth’s position appeared far less ambiguous. Her instruction to her husband was not a casual suggestion but a firm command born from strong personal conviction. McEnroe did not elaborate extensively on her specific reasons for the admonition, but it firmly places her in the camp of those who held a deeply negative view of Trump long before he entered the Oval Office. This dynamic of a spouse’s strong political disapproval clashing with a more ambivalent or curious partner is a familiar one in many American households, albeit rarely with a former Wimbledon champion and a future president as the subjects.
McEnroe's Political Stance
John McEnroe’s own political leanings have been a topic of discussion over the years. He has frequently positioned himself as an independent thinker, resistant to full alignment with either major party. He has been publicly critical of Trump on numerous occasions, particularly regarding the former president's behavior and divisive rhetoric. However, McEnroe has also expressed a willingness to engage with ideas from across the spectrum. In a 2016 interview, he stated, “I’m not a huge Trump fan, but I’m not a huge Hillary [Clinton] fan either.” This centrist, sometimes contradictory, stance likely fueled his curiosity to speak with Trump directly, even against his wife's explicit wishes.
The Content of the Conversation
So, what did the tennis bad boy and the political disruptor discuss? According to McEnroe, the conversation was brief and focused on the event they were both attending. McEnroe mentioned that he asked Trump about his predictions for the tournament. Trump, a known golf enthusiast but less frequent follower of professional tennis, reportedly offered a generic response. McEnroe characterized the exchange as nothing more than a simple, polite chat. “I said, ‘Who do you like?’ You know, he mentioned a couple of people,” McEnroe recalled. There was no deep political discourse or heated debate—just a few moments of small talk that McEnroe felt were harmless, despite his wife's vehement opposition to the interaction.
A Pattern of Candidness
This incident is emblematic of John McEnroe’s entire persona: candid, occasionally contrarian, and unafraid to ignore advice if his curiosity is piqued. His legendary career was built on a foundation of incredible skill paired with a notorious temper and a refusal to conform quietly to authority figures, whether they were umpires or tennis officials. This same spirit seems to apply to his personal life and political engagements. He possesses a desire to see and judge situations for himself, even when cautioned otherwise by those closest to him. This trait has led to some of his most memorable moments, both on and off the court.
Public and Media Reaction
When McEnroe shared this story on his podcast, it quickly gained traction in the media. Headlines focused on the domestic drama of a husband ignoring his wife's command, often with a tone of amusement. The story was picked up by outlets like Fox News, The Daily Mail, and Tennis365, among others. The public reaction was mixed, often splitting along predictable political lines. Some applauded McEnroe for engaging in civil discourse, while others sided squarely with Patty Smyth, believing her advice was sound and should have been heeded.
The Bigger Picture: Sports and Politics
The McEnroe-Trump anecdote is a microcosm of the larger, ongoing debate about the appropriate relationship between sports figures and political figures. Athletes, particularly those of McEnroe’s stature, possess significant platforms. Their interactions with politicians can be seen as endorsements or, at the very least, as normalizing certain figures. This is why Patty Smyth’s warning carried such weight; she understood that even a brief, seemingly innocuous conversation could be perceived as a tacit approval, something she was clearly against. In today’s hyper-polarized climate, the simple act of a handshake or a quick chat can be parsed and politicized endlessly.
McEnroe's Reflections and Legacy
In the years since the encounter, McEnroe has not expressed any major regret about ignoring his wife's advice that day at the US Open. For him, it was a moment of human interaction, a chance to satisfy his own curiosity about a towering and controversial figure. It did not change his overall critical view of Trump’s presidency. The story remains a humorous and revealing footnote in the life of a tennis icon—a man who spent his career challenging calls and continues to do so in his personal life. It underscores that while he may have mellowed since his playing days, the core instinct to make his own decisions, for better or worse, remains entirely intact.
The tale serves as a reminder that even in the most famous of households, politics can create divisive moments. It shows that John McEnroe, the quintessential “superbrat,” is still willing to defy expectations, even if the person he’s defying is the one he loves most. The story is less about Donald Trump himself and more about a marriage, a moment of rebellion, and the enduring personality of a sports legend who continues to march to the beat of his own drum.