This new documentary follows tennis legend John McEnroe as he finally tells his side of his storied career – does it serve up an ace, or is it double fault? McEnroe is universally regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, one who was as famous for his behaviour off the court as his performances on it. Often portrayed in the media as the “bad boy” of the sport, everyone had an opinion on the player.
Director Barney Douglas allows the man, the myth, the legend to finally serve up his side of the story, so many years later. And as one might expect, McEnroe is honest, forthright and unapologetic in his recollections. At first, the documentary covers familiar ground, primarily the intense rivalry between McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. It was a rivalry that climaxed in their 1980 Wimbledon game, often described as the best tennis match ever – and itself the subject of the excellent 2017 film Borg vs McEnroe.
Where the film really delivers is when McEnroe looks back on the period after Borg’s retirement. Yes, he won multiple championships and still holds the record for the best win-loss record for a single year, but it is shocking how candid he is about his feelings at the time. An authorised documentary that is not a puff piece and actually exposes the subject, warts and all? You cannot be serious! We are told that despite all the success, fame and fortune, it did not bring McEnroe any happiness or a sense of contentment. His rivalry with Borg was what pushed him to become the player he was and without him, he struggled to find the joy and passion in the game.
Here is where the documentary pivots its focus to his life off the court. Douglas takes McEnroe not on a walk down memory lane, but sits him on the couch for a good old therapy session, trawling through his most significant relationships and life events to discover what made him into the man he is today.
It is a refreshing change to see a documentary devoid of talking head interviews with fans and competitors who simply recycle the same anecdotes, or talk about how amazing he was. Instead, we hear from those closest to him (his family, Borg, etc.) and spend more time with the original Superbrat. What better way to hear McEnroe’s story than from the man himself?
McEnroe is a fantastic, tell-all look back at, and celebration of, an indisputable icon.
McEnroe is in cinemas from July 15th.