John McEnroe’s tirade

December 7, 2008

The adoring crowd who sent John McEnroe into what he insists is a final Albert Hall exit after 11 years with a standing ovation last night will choose to recall the New Yorkers brilliance. An unfairly berated line-judge who suffered a characteristically callous verbal tirade can be excused for thinking differently.

With his 50th birthday just a couple of months away, McEnroe suffered his third defeat in as many matches at this years BlackRock Masters as he lost 6-4 6-7 11-9 in a deciding tie-break to Britains Jeremy Bates.

The match was gripping and entertaining, the outburst unnecessary. You are a pathetic, ugly, fat loser, stormed McEnroe, inches away from the face of the line-judge who had previously reported an audible obscenity to umpire Kim Craven. How low a life do you have? The crowd showed their displeasure with jeers but it was short-lived. Contrition has never been the McEnroe way, but later he said: Do I wish I had said it in a better way? Did I overreact? Yes.

But I was frustrated that he reported me for a four-letter swear word that I said to myself. Id have preferred Obama-like calm but I guess thats why Ill never be a politician. I think I have stretched playing here as long as I can. Im down and almost out.

- FOLLOWING the time-honoured tennis trend of things not exactly going to script at the Albert Hall, Cedric Pioline was finally rewarded for nearly two decades of patience and persistence by denying Pete Sampras a place in todays BlackRock Masters final.

Pioline lost to Sampras every time they played on the main ATP tour - a series that extended for nine matches and included the finals of the US Open in 1993 and Wimbledon four years later. Yesterday, the 39-year-old Frenchman, who will be tournament director of the Paris Masters series event at Bercy in October, got the win he has long sought.

Todays final will see Pioline attempt to follow up his 7-6 7-6 win over Sampras by beating Britains Greg Rusedski. I surprised myself, especially as I had a long, long night on Friday, said Pioline. I had a few drinks with friends and dont remember what time I got to bed.

Sampras also had a memorable week. He decided against a sentimental visit to Wimbledon but enjoyed dinner with Tim Henman. It felt good being back in London and thinking about all my Wimbledon wins again, he said. Defeat doesnt hurt so much any more. Back in the day losing like this would have stuck with me but this time I was over it in a couple of minutes. I didnt come here to win this event, I just wanted to compete and now theres a good chance I will be back next year.

Both the tournament and the Tour of Champions must find a new sponsor, BlackRock bowing out after three years. Peter Worth, the tournament chairman, said: I dont have a name to announce at the moment but regardless of the current economic situation, there are several very interested parties talking to us. We are extremely confident.

History suggests Piolines future involvement could be in doubt. The previous three years had seen the Dutchman Paul Haarhuis win the title but, because of low marketability, he was not offered an invitation this time.