McEnroe Teams With Sock to Defeat Monfils and Johnson in Exhibition
February 14, 2012 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Tennis legend John McEnroe took part in an exhibition on the opening night of the SAP Open in San Jose, Calif., teaming with fellow American Jack Sock in the duo’s 6-4, 6-4 win over Frenchman Gael Monfils and 2011 NCAA champion Steve Johnson before a crowd of 5,157. The 52-year-old McEnroe hit crisp volleys all match long, bringing back memories of his touring days when he won seven Grand Slam singles titles and 10 major doubles titles from 1977-92.
One of the match’s highlights was McEnroe hitting 125 mph with a serve, as he jokingly credited the radar gun operator.
“I hit one 125 (mph),” McEnroe said. “I’ve never hit it that hard in my life. I owe that guy a dinner.”
He challenged three calls in the match, winning one of them, and even humorously dropped to the court to inspect a mark before challenging a call in the second set that he eventually lost. His only argument came when Monfils won a challenge on a shot that just clipped the back line.
“It’s a conspiracy,” said McEnroe.
McEnroe was originally scheduled to play with defending SAP Open champ and 32nd-ranked Canadian Milos Raonic, who pulled out with a knee injury.
