Legendary Hothead John McEnroe Reveals Jimmy Buffett Taught Him How to Calm Down

"He'd say, 'Relax, man!'" the tennis star, known for his temper, recalled

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(L-R) Tennis Player John McEnroe and Jimmy Buffett in 2011

Jimmy Buffett's influence extends all the way to the tennis court!

The late musician's friend, John McEnroe, honored the "Margaritaville" singer with a speech at the Keep The Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 11, explaining that Buffett often had advice for him in the middle of his tennis matches.

"He'd say, 'Relax, man! You're too f---ing wound up!' " the tennis star, who is known for his temper, told the crowd. "And of course he was right. So about the last 15, 20 years since I've been around Jimmy, I've tried to live by his credo."

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John McEnroe attends the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Related: Paul McCartney Reveals He Sang 'Let It Be' for Jimmy Buffett in the 'Last Week of His Life'

McEnroe is infamous for numerous outbursts on the tennis court throughout his playing career.

During the 1987 U.S. Open final, he received a whopping $17,500 fine and a two-month suspension for using profanity and criticizing calls made during the match.

Buffett died in September 2023 at 76. His friends and fans gathered at the tribute concert to share memories and music in his honor. Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, Pitbull, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Jackson Brown, Brandi Carlile, Dave Grohl, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson and Eric Church were among the musicians who took the stage.

"I think Jimmy probably had more friends and more fans than anyone I know, and I'm proud to say I was a friend of his," McEnroe said of the "Cheeseburger in Paradise" singer in his speech.

"The guy always had a twinkle in his eye," he continued. "He always had a smile on his face. He always seemed to be having such a damn f---ing good time."

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Jimmy Buffett (C) takes opening night bow during the Broadway premiere of "Escape to Margaritaville" in 2018

McEnroe, 65, said that he also tried to help Buffett out when he could. He recalled the "A Pirate Looks at 40" singer asking him to watch footage of his son Cameron Buffett playing tennis.

"Stick to singing," he jokingly told Cameron in his speech. "No, I’m kidding. Cameron, if you’re there, love you."

"I mean, one of the greatest guys I've ever met is Jimmy Buffett, and I'm glad that I'm here tonight," the former athlete concluded.

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