John McEnroe admitted Jimmy Connors "suddenly" deciding to play the Davis Cup didn't sit well with him and confirmed there had been tension between the two.
Five decades ago, McEnroe and Connors were the faces of American men's tennis. But there was one difference between the two - the first was always willing to represent his nation in the Davis Cup, while the latter basically didn't have any interest.
But that changed in 1984, when the former eight-time Grand Slam winner made himself available to the American Davis Cup team. In McEnroe's eyes, it was nothing else but a move made purely so his compatriot could add another accomplishment to his resume.
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It wasnt we, it was him. He started it. Id played Davis Cup every year for seven years before 1984. Suddenly, Jimmy and his manager realized the only thing missing from his rsum was Davis Cup. Hed always refused to play," McEnroe said on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast.
McEnroe's blunt reaction: Maybe he shouldn't come...
As the United States team was preparing to go to dinner, team captain Arthur Ashe told McEnroe that Connors would prefer not to have him there.
Arthur told me: John, the team dinners Wednesday. Jimmy doesnt want you there. I said, Arthur, Ive played every match for seven years. Jimmy just came in for his rsum. Maybe he should skip dinner. Arthur agreed. So Jimmy didnt come. We didnt speak most of that year," the 65-year-old recalled.
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During a particular Davis Cup doubles match, McEnroe noticed that Connors was cheering for him. Then, his colleague also acted much nicer around the former seven-time Grand Slam champion.
We went out to dinner, and suddenly hes like, Its all good, John. And Im thinking, What? We dont want peace! McEnroe added.
McEnroe played against Connors 34 times during his career and won 20 of those meetings.
