James Kaplan’s ‘You Cannot Be Serious’ is a fascinating book that chronicles the formidable tennis career of John McEnroe. Through interviews, archival footage and depictions of McEnroe’s temperament, Kaplan crafts a vivid picture of one of the most renowned and widely known sports personalities of all time.
The book provides a complex and interesting look at McEnroe, the multitude of nuances and emotions that drove his career, and the impact he had on the sport of tennis. By diving deep into his psyche and outstanding on-court behavior, Kaplan paints an accurate portrait of McEnroe as both a brilliant and frustratingly frustrating character. McEnroe’s famous “You cannot be serious” catchphrase is even mentioned prominently in the book’s title.
Kaplan begins the book by outlining the role that McEnroe’s father, John Sr. played in developing his son’s competitive attitude and spirit. This section offers an invaluable insight into John’s childhood and why his competitive fire was planted at such an early age. Kaplan then moves into the competitive tennis McEnroe started playing as a young teenager and the incredible success he found in the junior ranks. With his parents supporting his pursuit of a professional tennis career, McEnroe tried his hand at playing on the men’s tour.
As an 18-year-old, McEnroe made an impressively strong debut with a win at the 1979 US Open. From that point on, Kaplan details how McEnroe quickly rose to the forefront of the men’s game. He won three Wimbledon titles, four US Open titles, a calendar-year Grand Slam, and captained the United States’ successful Davis Cup run. McEnroe became one of the most famous sportsmen in the world, and Kaplan paints a vivid picture of his days at the top of the tennis world.
However, it isn’t the accolades and victories that set the book apart, but is instead how Kaplan examines McEnroe’s complex behavior both on and off the court. Kaplan examines how his obnoxious and often controversial behavior both enthralled and alienated fans and other competitors alike. For every well-deserved win, there was a petulant and passionate tirade or a match filled with on-court antics.
The beauty of Kaplan’s book is how he explores the motivations and emotions that drove McEnroe’s behavior. Complex issues such as his desire for perfection, his relationship with the press, and his self-doubt are explored in great detail. The book also contains insightful interview with many figures from McEnroe’s career, first-hand accounts of his time on court, and detailed analysis of some of the most memorable matches of McEnroe’s storied career.
You Cannot Be Serious offers a unique and intimate look at the most renowned tennis player of all time. Through detailed reporting, thoughtful analysis and excerpts from inside the court and beyond, Kaplan presents an interesting and complex portrait of McEnroe and how his presence changed the global sport of tennis forever.
