JOHN McENROE

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

John McEnroe's nail-biting 1980 Wimbledon final, versus icy Swedish rival Björn Borg, was arguably the greatest tennis match ever, with a tiebreaker duel that included five match points and seven set points, and ended in a 16-18 score. The brash New Yorker was notorious for his on-court theatrics, but no one could deny his brilliant game at the net or, least of all, his 17 Grand Slam titles. Upon the release of his autobiography, You Cannot Be Serious, McEnroe sounds off on losing, his art collection, and that nagging 1984 French Open final

Which living person do you most admire?

Nelson Mandela.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

That I don't have better control.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Phoniness.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My art collection.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Patience.

On what occasion do you lie?

When my kids ask me about my grades in high school.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

My receding hairline and that bald spot on the top of my head.

What is your greatest regret?

The 1984 French Open final.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife, Patty, and my kids—Ruby, Kevin, Sean, Emily, Anna, and Ava.

When and where were you happiest?

I'm happier now than I've ever been.

Which talent would you most like to have?

A great voice and some mean chops on the guitar.

What is your current state of mind?

I'm excited, anxious, confident, concerned, positive, and negative all in one.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I'd like to be just a little more relaxed.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

That they weren't quite as loud. But then again, that's my fault.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My Father of the Year Award in 1996. But then again,

I paid a lot for that.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Jean-Michel Basquiat painting. (Unless I can get the right price for it.)

Where would you like to live?

I already live where I like to live.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

A sense of humor.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Her personality ... yeah, right.

Who are your heroes in real life?

The police, firefighters, Jesse Owens, and Abraham Lincoln.

What is it that you most dislike?

When people tell me to smile.

What is your motto?

"It doesn't matter whether you win or lose until you lose."