(VIDEO) "I'm going to need you to stay away from me, OK?" - John McEnroe leaves Australia fuming after triggering fan encounter
Tennis NewsMonday, 02 February 2026 at 17:00
Seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe left Australia steam coming out of his ears after an angry reaction to a fan encounter left reminiscences of his playing career.
The hot-headed American was Down Under working as a pundit covering the Australian Open, where he oversaw and commented on the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina tasting glory for the first time in Melbourne.
His time in Australia was up, however, as he packed his stuff and traversed to the airport as he looked to get to his next destination. Despite this, there was one persistent fan who was wanting him to get a photo. The 66-year-old did not take this hugely well, letting off a very damning reaction to the fan as he showed his clear intentions.
As he got out of his car at Melbourne Airport, carrying a huge amount of bags including a guitar on his back, an opportunist fan sought his opportunity. "Not right now mate," McEnroe replied. The lad was not giving up without a fight. "Can I get a photo?" he queried, even offering to help carry his bags while echoing what a big fan he was of the American.
"I'm going to need you to stay away from me, OK?" McEnroe firmly stated as he wandered off, lugging his suitcase closely behind him. Most people would respect the wishes, albeit this must have been hard for the guy to hear.
He was not a quitter, as he followed McEnroe deep into the building continually trying to get what he dearly wanted. McEnroe was having none of it. "This guy, just get away," he said. "Move him out of the way please," an official with a lanyard said as he tried to get in on the situation. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I am leaving, time's up," McEnroe pronounced, becoming more annoyed and tired.
Comments of "Leave him alone" and "Respect our space" were stated, but the fan paid no attention, trying to get a selfie without the former tennis players permission. McEnroe stopped in his tracks and spoke directly to him: "Will you stop?" he uttered. "Stop! Jesus. I mean, are you kidding me?"
He finally was able to get away from the fan, who commented one final remark: "I still love you John." McEnroe brutally replied: "Go f*** yourself."
It does give flashbacks to a once angry McEnroe, always one bad call away from a temper tantrum on court when something did not go his way. The fire is still in the belly, but this time for a different reason as he just got continuously tired of dealing with this one fan.
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