John McEnroe’s wild life and mad marriage to Oscar winner with cocaine addiction

The biggest personalities in sport often possess the biggest demons – a rule John McEnroe might agree rung true during his on-court career.

A three-time winner at Wimbledon and one of the biggest names in tennis, the hectic nature of McEnroe's life transcended his days as an athlete. In fact, his eight-year marriage to Oscar-winning actress Tatum O'Neal became a frequent matter of public interest – and not always for good reasons.

The power couple had dated for only two years prior to their marriage in 1986, going on to have three children: Kevin, Sean and Emily. Their union lasted eight years before ending in a 1994 divorce, and it's since come to light that drug addiction and infidelity were among the major contributing factors as to why.

McEnroe – whose late father was an alcoholic – has been candid regarding his role in his first marriage not working out. O'Neal – who became the youngest Academy Award-winner in history at the age of 10 – also hailed from a history of substance abuse; actress mother Joanna Moore was addicted to amphetamines and alcohol.

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Confronted with the impact cocaine played in their relationship, McEnroe – who won four US Open titles along with his three Wimbledon crowns – has conceded the drug "didn't help" matters. He's been quoted owning up to his part in encouraging the vice and admitted in 'McEnroe', the tell-all documentary released in 2022: “I have myself to blame for [the cocaine issues].”

Drugs weren't the only obstacle, however, as the 16-time Grand Slam-winner also owned up to cheating on his then-wife. “I don’t think infidelity helps," added McEnroe. "I believe that’s the end of the end.”

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No specifics have been mentioned in regards to whom McEnroe cheated with while still married to O'Neal. But what once seemed a match made in heaven eventually ended in hellish circumstances.

Her drug issues meant O'Neal lost sole custody of their children in 1998, and it is understood McEnroe was responsible for much of their upbringing.

O'Neal, 59, had begun using heroin during the divorce and was arrested in New York in 2008 for purchasing crack cocaine. The actress was also in possession of an unused crack pipe and agreed to take part in a drug treatment programme as part of her punishment.

McEnroe, meanwhile, has since found love again with rock artist Patty Smyth, whom he married in 1997. The pair had two daughters and live in Manhattan – a much calmer union compared to his first betrothal.

The tennis legend will be expected to make his annual appearance at SW19 this year as the stars vie for Wimbledon glory, just as he did 40 years ago.

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