John McEnroe has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his latest revelation proves he's still swinging. As he prepares to call the men's final at the 2026 U.S. Open, the tennis legend opened up about a time he ignored a direct plea from his family regarding none other than Donald Trump.
McEnroe, known for his fiery on-court demeanor and unfiltered commentary, shared the story during a recent interview. He admitted that his wife and daughter begged him not to approach Trump at the 2015 U.S. Open, warning that it could tarnish his reputation. But McEnroe, ever the rebel, did it anyway.
“I’ve known Donald a little over the years,” McEnroe said. “My dad had written to him at the start of his campaign, offering help. So when I saw him in his box next to the broadcast booth, I figured I'd say hello. My wife and daughter were adamant: ‘Don’t you dare go over there. He’s a misogynist and a blowhard, it could hurt your reputation.’”
Despite the warnings, McEnroe walked over, and the interaction was caught on live television. The two embraced like old friends, and Trump seemed unusually pleased. Then came the kicker: “John, thank you so much for the letter. I’ve got it on the wall in my office!” McEnroe was mortified. “I hoped this was fake news. I didn’t want everyone going into his office thinking I was his No. 1 fan.”
The awkwardness didn't stop there. McEnroe also recalled a bizarre moment from 2000 when Trump offered him $1 million to play a match against Serena Williams. “He put $1 million on the table and claimed he wrote to his ‘dear friend’ John with the offer. News to me!” McEnroe said with a laugh.
McEnroe's candor comes as he prepares to call the U.S. Open final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton. Shelton is chasing history, aiming to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2003. McEnroe's presence in the booth has already sparked debate, with some fans calling for ESPN to bench McEnroe in favor of Roddick.
This isn't the first time Trump has intersected with the sports world in controversial ways. From Aaron Rodgers blasting Trump's second term to fans demanding an NFL anthem policy overhaul, the former president remains a polarizing figure in athletics.
McEnroe, for his part, has made it crystal clear where he stands. “I’ve made my feelings known,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I’m there to call tennis, not politics.”
As the U.S. Open final approaches, all eyes will be on the court — and perhaps on the broadcast booth, where McEnroe's unfiltered style is sure to keep viewers on edge.
