Coaching John McEnroe: Part 2

Monday, May 29, 1978-Memorial Day: a day to remember the incredible efforts, feats, and costs of our worldwide Battle for Freedom! Celebrations with parades, backyard picnics, and barbecues. And also a day historically marked by great sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500 motor car races held since 1911.

A newcomer to the crowded activities block was added in 1977 with the first combined NCAA Team and Individual Championships at Coach Dan Magill’s great shrine to college tennis at the University of Georgia. The NCAA Men’s Team Championship in 1978 was the second year of a true team championship.

I was the chauffeur for Peter Rennert and John McEnroe, who were in the back seat of our rental car in Athens, Georgia. Peter, John’s teammate and best friend, was to give him a brief “loosen up” hit prior to the final match of his collegiate season. We wove through the crowd to find a parking place. As we stepped out of the air-conditioned car, we were met head-on by a midday blast of boiling air. Not only was the temperature in the stifling nineties, but the humidity was almost unbearable.

8 Days: 18 Matches

This was to be John’s eighteenth…