John McEnroe's astonishing BBC daily pay rate, infidelity confession and famous wife
The American has become an important part of Wimbledon coverage in recent years
(Image: Karwai Tang, WireImagevia Getty Images )
Wimbledon is in full swing, with the biggest stars in tennis vying to claim one of the most prestigious titles in sport.
John McEnroe, who racked up seven singles Grand Slams during his playing days, will be helping to describe all the action to those watching the Championships at home, with the American once again taking his place in the commentator's booth.
Having first appeared behind the microphone in 2004, McEnroe has become an integral part of the Wimbledon broadcasting team.
Nevertheless, the salary he commands for his media duties has come as a surprise to many in recent years.
Despite a slight decrease from the previous year, a BBC salaries report showed McEnroe had racked up earnings of between £195,000 to £199,000 for the 2023/24 period.
That amounts to around £14,000 per day for the American, an amount that has previously been the source hot debate.
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"He is one of the most popular and respected pundits in tennis," a BBC source told The Times in 2023 shortly after McEnroe had received a pay rise. "And he provides a unique perspective to our coverage."
Having become notorious for his on-court tantrums, as well as his undeniable success, McEnroe isn't exactly a stranger to the spotlight, and has attracted his fair share of positive and negative headlines over the years.
Fans were given an insight into his occasionally tumultuous personal life back in 2022, when he was the subject of a tell-all feature-length documentary.
'McEnroe' not only told the story of his rise as a tennis player, which saw him claim three Wimbledon titles, but also offered an insight into life away from the court.
That includes his relationship with Oscar-winning actress Tatum O'Neal, which began in 1984 and resulted in the pair tying the knot two years later. They were married for eight years, and had three children together—Kevin, Sean and Emily.
But as McEnroe explains, drug addiction took its toll prior to their 1994 split.
In the documentary, the 66-year-old candidly discusses the impact cocaine had on their relationship, which he admitted "didn't help" matters.
O'Neal had a history with drugs and became addicted to heroin after the divorce, though McEnroe later told The Sun: 'I have myself to blame for that [the issues related to cocaine].'
As well as drugs, he also owned up to cheating on his then-wife. 'I don't think infidelity helps," added McEnroe. "I believe that's the end of the end.'
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After his failed first marriage, McEnroe later started at relationship with rock star Patty Smyth, who believes her partner's hunger for routine is evidence he may have autism.
Despite all his previous mis-steps Smyth insists the BBC commentator is reformed and said: 'I married a bad boy who turned out to be a really good man.'
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