Book Review: But Seriously by John McEnroe

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Candid, charismatic, but a touch repetitive

📖 Quick Take:
The follow-up to You Cannot Be Serious, this memoir sees McEnroe reflecting on life after his fiery days on the tennis court. It’s less about serve-and-volley brilliance and more about family, broadcasting, art, and the ongoing balancing act between private life and public persona.

✍️ My Thoughts:
McEnroe’s voice is as distinctive on the page as it is behind a microphone—dryly funny, self-aware, and never short of an opinion. But Seriously offers a peek into the mind of someone who has lived multiple lives: Grand Slam champion, commentator, art gallery owner, husband, father.

Where the first memoir thrived on the raw energy of his career highs and lows, this one feels calmer, more introspective. There’s a lot to enjoy in the anecdotes about fellow players, celebrity encounters, and the odd broadcasting drama, but some sections wander into familiar territory from his first book, which can make it feel a bit padded.

What surprised me most was the warmth—he’s still McEnroe (blunt, occasionally prickly), but there’s a reflective edge that comes with time and perspective.

💌 Vibe Check:
🎾 Life after the limelight
🎤 Behind-the-scenes sports media
🖼 Tennis meets the art world
💬 Still telling it like it is

💬 Favourite Line:
"You can’t live your whole life like it’s a tiebreaker—sometimes you’ve got to let it play out."

⭐️ Final Rating:
3 stars. Engaging and witty, but more of a gentle rally than a five-set thriller.