John McEnroe Tennis Academy: An Afternoon with the Tennis Legend

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: January 28, 2013

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As hordes of reporters and photographers were in Melbourne, Australia, over the weekend documenting Belarus' Victoria Azarenka's and Serbia's Novak Djokovic's continued dominance, I had an on-court seat to watch America's future being personally molded by the greatest tennis player New York has ever produced—John McEnroe.

It was just another cold January day for most residents of Bethpage, Long Island, but for the students of John McEnroe Tennis Academy, it was just another afternoon of intense focus inside the newest of his three metropolitan locations. 

But can McEnroe return American tennis to prominence? That is the $64,000 question.

Many still believe that it's Academy giant IMG, since they continue to churn out talent, but the Bolletieri products of late seem to be missing that "it" factor that American's used to have.

McEnroe still has "it" flowing through his veins, at 53-years-old, and JMTA differentiates itself by epitomizing his passion and attitude.

The level of importance they place on their students leading a balanced life is paramount in McEnroe's vision for American tennis.

"Strive for excellence in everything you do" is the McEnroe mantra, and this message, perseverated in every pep-talk and words of encouragement that I witnessed he and his world-class coaching staff give on Saturday. 



JMTA is non-residental—meaning the kids and families are not uprooted from their lives, and the staff advocates intense two-hour training sessions, as opposed to live-in academies that eat, sleep and breath training.

In essence, McEnroe is trying to remind people that you don't have to take away someone's childhood in order to develop a tennis star.

When the 17-time major champion (seven singles titles and 10 doubles titles) isn't devoting time to his art gallery, band or color commentary duties, he can be found...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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