Wimbledon pundit John McEnroe lost his cool as a persitent teenage fan tried to get a picture with him
John McEnroe has clashed with a fan in Australia(Image: Getty Images)
Tennis legend John McEnroe was embroiled in a furious airport incident with a young fan as he departed Australia after working at the Australian Open.
The 66-year-old was caught on camera exploding at the teenager who persistently asked for a photo and autograph at Melbourne Airport. He was seen getting out of a car as he travelled home to the US, carrying a suitcase and a guitar as the fan approached him.
“Not right now,” McEnroe said as he looked pressed for time. The boy continued to ask for a photograph, telling McEnroe he was one of his heroes and even offering to carry his bags.
However, the BBC Wimbledon pundit, who had been working for TNT Sports in Australia, was in no mood for pleasantries.
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“I’m going to need you to stay away from me, OK?” McEnroe said as he made his way through the terminal.
The fan refused to give up, following him as he walked.
“This guy, just get away,” McEnroe snapped.
“Move him out of the way please,” an airport official said.
Undeterred, the boy continued his pursuit, asking: “Can I just take a photo.”
At this point, McEnroe exploded as the boy tried to take a selfie without the tennis star’s permission. “Will you stop?” he yelled.
“Stop! Jesus. I mean, are you kidding me? Go f*** yourself.”
John McEnroe clashes with an umpire during his career(Image: Mirrorpix)
McEnroe became infamous for his short temper throughout his playing career, clashing with umpires and officials as his volatile behaviour became legendary.
During the 1984 Australian Open, he was disqualified from after abusing an umpire and repeatedly destroying his racket.
McEnroe was heading home after working on the men’s singles final, which saw Carlos Alcaraz defeat Novak Djokovic.