Former world number 1 John McEnroe was one of tennis’ first superstars in the open era and his business acumen is an example for players of today and tomorrow.
McEnroe was one of the first to demand ridiculous appearance fees and was a popular choice for exhibition events long after he was past his prime.
In a stellar career, he won 77 career singles titles, including seven Grand Slams.
McEnroe has also won 78 doubles titles, including nine at Majors.
A former Davis Cup captain, McEnroe is still actively involved in the game as the non-playing captain of Team World in the Laver Cup.
John McEnroe talks about hitting rock bottom and why he wasn’t always a good dad
In terms of honors, McEnroe has plenty.
He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999, and in 2007 the International Tennis Federation (ITF) awarded him the Philippe Chatrier Award.
The man they called ‘Superbrat’ was crowned ITF World Champion in 1981, 1983 and 1984, and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) named him Most Improved Player in 1978, then player of the year in 1981, 1983 and 1984.
McEnroe was named the world’s No. 1 male player of the year in 1984, and he received the Davis Cup commitment award in 2014.
He was also a commentator at Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open and several other ATP tournaments.
McEnroe’s gig with the BBC earns him a handsome sum, but he has managed his fortune well and ranks among the wealthiest former players, especially compared to other players of his generation.
How much is John McEnroe worth?
The most recent estimates place John McEnroe’s net worth at $100 million.
His official prize money total came to $12,552,132, but McEnroe undoubtedly earned a lot more from the game during his playing days.
Aside from a few short acting gigs, McEnroe has also played in a touring rock band and owns several properties with his wife, former Scandal singer Patty Smyth.
The power couple own several valuable homes in Malibu, Calif., and McEnroe has owned an upscale art gallery in Manhattan since 1993.
McEnroe and Smyth bought a ranch-style home for $3.35 million in 2013, and two years later in 2015 shelled out $21 million for a beachfront home in Malibu’s exclusive Paradise Cove .
It was reported that the couple also owned around $50 million in real estate in Los Angeles.
McEnroe sold a home owned by late-night TV icon Johnny Carson on Carbon Beach in Malibu, raking in a handsome profit from the sale.
In 1999, the couple also bought a property in New York’s Hamptons for $4.2 million.
McEnroe was able to earn money outside of tennis, as the voice of the Netflix series “Never Have I Ever” and also appeared on numerous sitcoms, game shows and talk shows.
John McEnroe’s new movie is scary, thrilling and a must-see
He’s been featured and been the subject of numerous documentaries, but none are more candid than the 2022 McEnroe offering which gives viewers an intimate glimpse into the life of the tortured genius.