McEnroe provides temper flashback

Press, 14 August 1989, Page 24

McEnroe provides temper flashback

NZPA-Reuterlndian-apolis John McEnroe took on three linesmen, a photographer, a television crew and as-, sorted spectators on the way to a straightset semi-final victory over a fellow American, Aaron Krickstein, on Saturday. While McEnroe’s play in the 6-2, 7-6 victory rarely approached the form he regularly displayed when he was number one in the world, his numerous temper tantrums and arguments provided a flashback to his days as the bad boy of tennis. “To keep umpires on their toes is good for them,” joked the 30-year-old second seed. “They appreciate it It makes all their other matches easy.” In Sunday’s final of the $U5417,500 ($705,575) U.S. Men’s Hardcourt Championships, McEnroe was to face the winner of a later match between the top-seeded Swede, Stefan Edberg, and the fifth seed, Jay Berger, of the United States.

McEnroe, who prides himself on quick starts, raced out to an insurmountable 5-0 lead in the 33minute first set before dropping two games to Krickstein.

“He’s still a great player,” said the 22-year-old Krickstein.

McEnroe admitted that the flashes of his old temper — he yelled at the linesmen over calls, accused the photographer and camera crew of distracting him, and had shouting matches with spectators — were fuelled primarily by frustration with his own play and lack of concentration.

“The better I get the less satisfied I am with lousy play,” said McEnroe, who reached this year’s Wimbledon semifinals before falling to Edberg. “I get more frustrated with silly mistakes.”