Henri Leconte: ‘McEnroe insulted my mother during an exhibition match’

Interviewed by L’Equipe, Henri Leconte spoke about the most particular memories he has of his career. 

Asked who has been the toughest player he ever faced, Leconte did not have any doubt. ‘ McEnroe. It was hell to play him because you never knew what to expect: his attitude, his serve, everything. He stopped the match. He argued. He insulted everyone. That was normal; that was John McEnroe,’ he said jokingly. ‘It was part of the game in that era. There was hitting with the shoulders at changeovers. The more you got irritated, the better he played. John is very shy; that’s why he’s provocative. It’s his way of protecting himself. We’re very good friends today.’ The nastiest player? ‘Connors. On the court he would have killed his mother and father. He was very vicious and nasty. Off the court I got along well with Jimmy, but on the court, he was a thug. John yelled, but you joked about it after. Jimmy, you never joked.’ Asked who was the biggest party guy, he …

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