
The cruelest part of my childhood was watching the long slow decline of my hero McEnroe after his magical year in 1984. I became superstitious and jumpy from watching him lose to lesser players. From '86 to '88 I was convinced I was bad luck for him and would not watch him play.

I dread the possibility of having the same experience with Roger in the coming years. I hope it won't happen. Roger is a less tempermental champion, and I am a less tempermental fan. I have high hopes for him next year.