McEnroe brews up a storm

Frazzled line judges. A divided crowd. Beat-up advertising hoardings around the court and one billboard that was actually penetrated after an expression of total commitment. John McEnroe, the only man in world tennis who can make a brand new tennis court look shabby in under an hour and a half, yesterday left his mark on the Point.

Two court hoardings, including one advertising The Irish Times, where his racquet had slashed holes, and an almost demolished side board where he had crashed through head first in the second set ensured a high level of in-built distraction in yesterday's final match against Frenchman Henri Leconte.

That the American went on to edge out Leconte 6-4 6-3 and win the first ever Seniors Tour event in Dublin ended like the best Hollywood script. No tears and everyone went home content.

Although the talented Leconte drummed up his own legion of followers it was McEnroe's persecuted character that was once again the main draw.

A competitive game of tennis played at a pitch rarely seen in Ireland also offered the officials a crash course in how to operate under pressure. Both players regularly questioned calls, the American with his own brand of menace, Leconte more Jaque Tati than Jack Nicholson.

"No one wants calls to determine the outcome of a match," said McEnroe afterwards. "But unfortunately players can see the ball better than officials. I mean that's a given."

"It was evident that there were mistakes on both sides but I'd like to think I didn't win on that basis. If I did it would be a hollow victory."

But as in all his games over the last four days, McEnroe brought tension, not just to the match but to every point as he demonstrated the difference between exhibition tennis and competitive challenges - a distinction he capably endorses at every opportunity. The truth of the matter is that when he plays there is always something at stake and that's what the crowd buys into.

Just two break points separated the players, the first in the 10th game of the first set for 6-4 and the second in the eighth game for 6-3 in a match that hinged on slim pickings.

"Tenacity and hanging in there," McEnroe said of the 88minute duel. "A couple of ebbs and flows. Sticking with it and waiting for your chance, then jumping on it. Put some pressure on and sneak out the game."

"Henri's very talented," McEnroe said. "He always takes a big swing at my second serve but that was an extremely close match. I've won by that score before and it hasn't been that close a match at all. He's a tremendously dangerous player, especially over two sets."

McEnroe, aged 41, said he has now two or three years left on the seniors tour. Leconte at 36 has a little longer. The Irish event was well received by the players and indications are that they may well come back next year. Whatever happens, the New Yorker left a definite impression and it wasn't just on the hoardings.