The American, one of the game's greats, pulls no punches with his honest and forthright comments.

He first made the headlines while still a teenager when he won the 1977 French Open mixed doubles title.

McEnroe then caused a sensation the same year by reaching the Wimbledon semi-final from the qualifying competition.

There was no stopping him. He notched up three successive US Open titles between 1979 and 1981, and added a fourth in 1984.

John became the youngest top-ranked player when he ended Bjorn Borg's five year reign at Wimbledon in an epic in the 1981 final. He went on to take two more singles crowns in 1983 and 1984.

Although he was never successful in the French or Australian Opens, he was arguably the finest doubles player ever seen.

With partner Peter Fleming, he won four Wimbledon and three US Open doubles titles.

They also took the Masters title seven years in a row and won 40 other doubles crowns.

John was also extremely proud to represent his country. In a 12-year Davis Cup career, he won 41 out of 49 singles rubbers and 18 of his 20 doubles rubbers.

Since retirement McEnroe has established a thriving career in the media, working as a commentator for the CBS, NBC and USA networks, as well as for the BBC Wimbledon team.