John McEnroe promises daughter Anna he won't lose at her wedding in 2 weeks after letting Laver Cup trophy slip
John McEnroe might have lost hold of the Laver Cup title this year, but the American is already gearing up for his next important role coming up in two weeks time -- as the father of the bride at his daughter Anna's wedding. Unlike what happened in Berlin, McEnroe is confident he will turn up as the winner there beside his daughter.
Anna McEnroe is one of five children the former World No. 1 has and one of the two daughters he fathered with rock singer Patty Smyth. The father-daughter enjoy a healthy relationship and have been spotted together going to NBA games in the past.
McEnroe has spent the last week in Berlin, captaining two-time defending champions Team World for one final time at the Laver Cup. On Day 3, his team came in with a sizeable 8-4 lead over Team Europe but capitulated with three losses on the final day. After losing the doubles to Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz both lost their singles fixtures (against Alexander Zverev and Alcaraz, respectively) to prevent the three-peat from happening.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony afterwards, McEnroe extended a shout-out to his daughter in hilarious fashion. The 28-year-old studied law at Fordham University, and works as a litigation strategist at a consulting firm now.
To my daughter Anna, I’m coming home. You’re getting married in two weeks. I hope you’re watching. We’re gonna win that one," McEnroe said.
McEnroe then extended a warm thanks to departing Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg, his own brother and Team World vice-captain Patrick McEnroe, as well as members of Team World for putting up a valiant fight despite the loss.
"Everyone knows Rod Laver was my idol, so this was the easiest job offer I ever had to accept. It's been an absolute blast. Special thanks to my rival Bjorn Borg, I love you, man. Thank you. My right hand man, he takes care of me all the time, my brother Patrick McEnroe. And all the guys on the team this year, you got some great team spirit, we played hard, I expect some big things from you guys in the future, loved every minute of it," he added.
John McEnroe will pass on the torch to Andre Agassi next year at the Laver Cup
Starting next year, Andre Agassi will take over from John McEnroe as the captain of Team World at the Laver Cup. Meanwhile, Bjorn Borg's position as Team Europe captain will go to Yannick Noah.
Speaking at his pre-tournament press conference in Berlin, McEnroe was hopeful that Agassi would bring something 'different' to the table and believed his fellow American would do a great job in his new position.
"Andre will bring something different to the table. I'm more sort of hopefully inspirational leader in a way. I'm not going to sit there Xs and Os. Andre is way more analytical. He'll bring something different to the table, but I think he's going to do a great job," McEnroe said.
The overall head-to-head is now 6-2 in favor of the European contingent after eight editions of the Laver Cup.