McEnroe, King Among Friends Honoring Scott
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04/03/06 - New York--It was standing room only at Manhattan's Church of the Heavenly Rest last Saturday as hundreds of family, friends and admirers gathered to celebrate and reflect on the life of Eugene L. Scott, whose roles as player, publisher, lawyer, friend, father and more were recounted with sincerity and mirth.
The corner of Fifth Avenue and 90th Street was a
Who's Who of Tennis that included players Virginia Wade, Stan Smith, Ilana Kloss, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Tim Mayotte; current and former staff and board members of the U.S. Tennis Association; and journalists from Scott's own
Tennis Week and other media outlets.
Just moments before the crowd spilled out of the narthex and onto the sidewalk, quiet moments of reflection on the 68-year-old tennis titan's life was softly punctuated by prayers, hymns and personal tributes. Among those eulogizing Scott were McEnroe and King. Both recalled being beaten on court by Scott, which garnered laughter from the crowd, and the fact that both legends, each fiery in their own right and manner, counted him as friend to themselves and to tennis.
McEnroe, who intimated that he was in discussion with Scott to become a partner in
Tennis Week, spoke of his friend's "passion," "relentless efforts," and "constructive criticism of this sport."
"He definitely made me think and kept me on my toes," said McEnroe, who in his teenage years practiced with Scott and was awarded his first tournament wild card from Scott. "Vitas (Gerulaitis) and I owed a lot to Gene."
McEnroe and Scott later teamed for doubles at Wimbledon, and made the semifinals in 1977, the year McEnroe won singles. The following year they teamed again, only to lose in the qualifying round.
"He took pride in saying, 'John McEnroe and
anyone aren't the best doubles team in the world," McEnroe divulged to uncontained laugher in the church. "Gene was a good man and he was loved by a lot of people--including me."
King echoed the sentiment of Scott's devotion of the game and related how he scrutinized the game for improvement. "We talked about the tennis ball for two hours," said King, describing Scott's scientific approach to all elements, from the ball size and weight to the nap color and thickness. "We used to have the best talks. He loved to push us (forward) in every way."
Scott was a TV commentator for King's famous "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs in 1973. "He bet on Bobby, but I've forgiven him," said King, who followed up that win with a less-than-successful 21-point challenge against Scott.
"John and I have something in common--we both lost to Gene Scott," said King, who went on to describe Scott's openness to all people--bigwigs or "little people"--who had something to say about the game, or needed help or advice. "His heart really belonged to the public parks, and that's what I love about Gene. He's inclusive."
Related Story:
"Rest in Peace: Eugene L. Scott"
For tributes to Scott, visit
www.EugeneLScott.com
For
Tennis Week magazine, visit
www.TennisWeek.com
