With the U.S. Open starting today, Laurie Lico Albanese talked with Patrick McEnroe--ESPN analyst and commentator and captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team--about the state of American tennis, his career on and off the courts, what it was like growing up with his famous older brother, John, and his book, Hardcourt Confidential: Tales from Twenty Years in the Pro Tennis Trenches (Hyperion). She even managed to slip in a question about steroid use in tennis.
What prompted you to write Hardcourt Confidential?
It's funny because I'd been approached a few years back about possibly doing a book and after a couple of discussions with some agents and publishers, it became apparent that publishers were looking for a book about me being the brother of... I wasn't interested in doing that kind of book, so I put that on the shelf. About a year and a half ago, Peter Bodo, who was my Tennis for Dummies writing partner, brought me in to meet with a couple of book agents, and they said a book on tennis and the state of tennis would be really interesting. I said, "I can write that book in my sleep, so let's do it!"
What was surprising to you about writing the book? Did you discover anything you didn't know or realize before?
I realized more than ever that I've been extremely lucky to be in the position that I've been in. I've seen the game from almost every angle--player, coach, brother, captain, commentator and now as an administrator. I've seen the game from the boardroom and locker room, from on the screen and behind the screen. I don't think anyone had ever really done a book that was somewhat historical on tennis, somewhat autobiographical and somewhat opinionated. I wanted to put all that in the book, and I did.
With Juan Martin Del Potro and Serena Williams out of the U.S. Open, what do you think's going to happen?
It's been very disappointing for [del Potro] and for tennis that he hasn't been able to play all year. He had a chance to become #1 and maybe he still will be someday, but with him out, Federer and Andy Murray are in place, and also Nadal. For the women, with Serena out, that really opens things up. When Serena plays in any tournament it's always about Serena. She's a force. Now the other women should be licking their chops.
Do you think Andy Roddick has a chance this year?
Roddick's had some health problems earlier this summer, but he's got his health back to 100%, and I still think he has a shot. He's not a favorite, but he's one of the players who's in contention. Also Mardy Fish, John Isner who played that marathon match at Wimbledon and Sam Querry. Roddick, Fish and Querry are our three best chances for the men.
In the book, you talk about whether players have to play their own game or adjust to their opponent's game.
The best players are the ones who are able to make their opponents as uncomfortable as possible. Tennis is all about match-ups and all about understanding what your opponent does and what you do to your opponent and what kind of effect that has. Players who say, "I'm just going to go out and play my game"--they're full of it! You have to adjust your game, it's all about having variety in your game.
Do you think there is steroid use in tennis?
There have been occasions where people have been caught using some form of steroid or amphetamine and been dealt with harshly. The punishment in tennis is pretty severe. There's constant and consistent testing for the best players, so I would be surprised if there was any use [among top players].
How does your relationship with your brother compare (or not) with the Williams sisters' relationship?
My brother and I are eight years apart. We're close, we run in the same circles, but it's not like we're joined at the hip. He's been my biggest fan, we've been through a lot, and we've had our moments obviously. We're competitive with each other, but at the end of the day we know that tennis has been good to us and we want to give back.
Is it hard being John's younger brother?
When I was struggling and deciding what I wanted to do when I graduated from Stanford, my mother, who was always worrying about me, said maybe you shouldn't follow tennis because maybe you'll never be as good as your brother, and my brother shut her down. He was the guy who supported me more than anybody when I was a little bit down in the dumps about my tennis game after I got out of college. And over the years we've really been there for each other.
The bottom line is just to follow your dreams, do the things that you want to do. I have kids who come up to me all the time and they feel that they're competing against their older siblings. I always ask myself what's the best thing for me to do. It so happens I followed in the footsteps of my brother--because I was good at it and I was successful at it. At the end of the day you have to do what you want, what you're good at and what's best for you.
Do you and your wife have children?
We have three girls. A four-and-a-half year old and 21-month-old twins. When I was a kid, I always wanted to have a younger sister--we were three boys, no girls. And now I have three daughters. It's great.
Does it bug you when people ask you about John?
No. Look, if Björn Borg had a younger brother, I'd want to know what their relationship was like. I think that's natural.