Monday,
May 28 – John
McEnroe performing in singles at Roland Garros? Yes, in the
broadcast booth.
USA
announcer Ted Robinson was broadcasting baseball and couldn't
get to Paris on Monday. So, McEnroe – topnotch commentator
and uncontrolled tennis mouth – went solo into the world
of play-by-play on the USA Network.
The
show opened with a lame sketch in which McEnroe learns he will
man the booth by himself. Still, he pulled it off, walking into
the complex and muttering that he never liked to share the mic
with his colleagues anyway.
McEnroe
is unquestionably one of the two best tennis commentators in
the U.S. (with former mixed doubles partner Mary Carillo) works
for both USA Network and NBC. But, on Monday, he seemed
to wander into the world of play-by-play. He definitely was
still in commentator mode, throwing out more and more outlandish
comments as he went along.
He
asked, "Who
the hell is this French crowd rooting for? I don't think they
know." He
even took to mocking the lackluster spectator interest in some
of the matches. He mockingly queried, "Let's go back to
the (Cedric) Pioline match … if there are any Pioline fans
out there."
The
first match Mac had to call was one he was not prepared for
– the upset of Venus Williams by Barbara Schett in straight
sets. As the match moved to match points for Schett only 15
minutes into the broadcast, he slowly realized he had to refocus
and call the points. Luckily, Schett needed a handful of match
points to pull off the victory, giving McEnroe a chance to bring
out the tension of the upset.
McEnroe
used his extensive knowledge to describe the wonders of a Western
forehand. "My God, it's awfully easy from up here."
He continued on with a unique understanding of the needs of
the average tennis fan, explaining what a Western grip was.
"If you take your racquet in a handshake grip and turn
it to the left … ." McEnroe painted a visual that you
could use either on the courts or immediately in your living
room.
OTHER
OFF-HAND COMMENTS:
John:
"You start pretending like you're me. No one will know
you're me."
Patrick: Is this going
to be like home at the dinner table, where I would say one
thing and you would go on for 45 minutes."
John: Now, you're here
in your official capacity as Davis Cup captain.
Patrick: I want to know
if you're available (to play Davis Cup).
John: I am available.
But, am I picked?
Patrick: I just want to
know if you're available.
John (getting heated):
I am available. But am I picked? Answer the question!
Patrick:
I can't believe Amelie Mauresmo lost. How could she have lost?
John: We're not supposed
to be saying that. [Obviously, USA didn't want viewers to
know the outcome.]
Patrick: I guess I blew
it on Mauresmo. Did I blow it on Venus, as well?
John: No, Venus blew it
on Venus.
John:
You're a really good brother. And, you'll be even better if
you pick me for Davis Cup.
