The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

MARK Knowles described representing The Bahamas as one of the most special parts of his professional tennis career as he returned home to share the court with international tennis legend John McEnroe and fellow Bahamian players during Saturday’s Legends on the Court exhibition at the John McEnroe Tennis Centre at Baha Mar.

The match was hosted by Derron Donaldson, director of racquets, and Renaldo Dorsett of 10th Year Seniors.

McEnroe and Kevin Major Jr teamed up to defeat Knowles and Marvin Rolle 8-6 in a competitive doubles exhibition that combined high level tennis with the entertainment and personality of four players from different generations of the sport.McEnroe brought the same intensity at age 67 that defined his career to the court, competing with the same determination and hard-mouthed trash talk that made him one of tennis’ most recognisable figures.

The match featured many spirited exchanges between the two teams, with playful trash talk adding to the atmosphere as the players battled for bragging rights in front of the Bahamian crowd.

Despite the exhibition setting, the competitive edge was evident throughout the match, as McEnroe and Major Jr held off the challenge from Knowles and Rolle to secure the victory.

For Knowles, a former world number one in doubles and multiple Grand Slam champion, the opportunity to compete at home carried significance beyond the result.

He said returning to The Bahamas and playing in front of local fans brought back memories of representing the country during his career.

“It was always so special, especially being out on the court and having great fans out here today,” Knowles said. “It kind of reminds me of playing for The Bahamas, which was the most special moments of my entire career. Better than winning Grand Slams was representing The Bahamas.”

Knowles said the experience of sharing the court with Rolle and Major Jr made the occasion even more meaningful, while he also welcomed the opportunity to play alongside McEnroe, whom he described as an influential figure throughout his career. He recalled McEnroe inviting him to practise while he was attending UCLA, noting that the former world number one had offered him advice and support even when he was not obligated to do so.

“Anytime you get to be on the court with John McEnroe, it’s an absolute pleasure. It’s an honour. Björn Borg is my idol, but John is definitely one of my idols as well, and he’s also somebody who has been super helpful to me throughout my career,” said Knowles. 

“There’s so much joy in being alongside Marvin. He’s obviously a lot younger than I am, but we shared the court a number of times towards the end of my career. He was one of the best kids out there. Then there’s KJ. I didn’t know KJ as well because he’s obviously younger, but man, does he hit the ball really well. It was really special.”

Knowles, who enjoyed considerable success on the international circuit, said he hoped McEnroe’s presence in The Bahamas and the facilities available at the tennis centre could help inspire another generation of players capable of reaching the highest levels of the sport.

He pointed to the importance of giving young Bahamians the confidence to pursue international ambitions, regardless of the size of their home country.

“Just because we’re from a small country, it doesn’t mean that we can’t achieve big things,” Knowles said.

He encouraged aspiring players to approach tennis as a long term development process, stressing the importance of passion, consistent work and patience rather than becoming overly concerned with wins and losses.

Knowles said players must continue improving their technical ability while developing the strength and endurance required to compete at the professional level. He also urged young athletes to avoid allowing the pressures associated with social media and outside expectations to distract them from their progress.

Kevin Major Jr said competing alongside McEnroe provided an opportunity to experience the game with a player whose achievements have helped shape tennis history.

The former men’s national title holder described the occasion as a privilege, particularly given the opportunity to share the court with players from different generations and showcase Bahamian talent alongside an international star.

He also had a message for young players hoping to follow in the footsteps of the country’s established tennis professionals.

“I’d say stay positive,” Major Jr said. “It’s a long road. Focus on the things that you’re good at, but also understand the things you’re not so good at. And be honest with yourself.”

Rolle, who serves as president of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA), also welcomed the opportunity to participate in the exhibition, describing it as an honour to play alongside McEnroe and Major Jr.

“It’s honestly an honour to play with those guys. You know, growing up, KJ (Kevin Major Jr) was a ball boy for us, and I was a ball boy for Mark back in the day. I grew up watching John McEnroe on TV, so to see him out here and play with him is an honour,” said Rolle.

McEnroe also expressed his appreciation for the visit, saying he enjoyed playing at the tennis centre that bears his name and competing in front of the Bahamian crowd. He reiterated his interest in supporting the development of tennis among young players, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation to learn from experienced professionals.

The exhibition formed part of a wider John McEnroe Tennis Experience programme, which included a complimentary junior clinic on Friday for children aged five to 16. The session focused on tennis fundamentals, drills and introducing young players to the game through instruction from one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.

Saturday’s event also featured a pre-show exhibition showcasing rising Bahamian junior talent before the featured doubles match, giving young players an opportunity to perform in front of spectators at the Baha Mar facility.