​This week has been a landmark for Patrick McEnroe and his wife, Melissa Errico. They are not only celebrating the former French Open champion’s 60th birthday but also watching the 2026 Wimbledon Championships edge toward its conclusion. The day’s excitement is even greater because the Wimbledon men’s final falls on the very night Errico is making her own Broadway-to-Britain crossover moment, performing her musical debut at the famed Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London, a venue that has hosted legends such as Amy Winehouse and Jimi Hendrix.
In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, the couple opened up about Novak Djokovic’s extraordinary feats at this year’s Wimbledon, the surprise appearance of Kate Middleton, and how McEnroe marked his milestone birthday, all while reflecting on what it means to be a tennis family on the brink of a major milestone.
PEOPLE: Patrick, you’ve played at Wimbledon many times. Can you talk about the enduring wonder and fun of the competition?
PATRICK MCENROE: Wimbledon is special for a reason. The traditions matter, but they’re never frozen in time. Each year, you witness history and the future coexisting. The setting is gorgeous, but at the end of the day it’s about the players, the competition, and the mutual respect for the game. At Wimbledon, tennis becomes something bigger than sport.
MELISSA ERRICO: I come from the theater, so ritual naturally draws me in. There’s the line outside, the grass courts, the charm, the flowers, the colors, the Pimms, the strawberries. Wimbledon carries that same sense of anticipation before the curtain rises. There’s elegance, discipline, emotion, and extraordinary performance under pressure.
PEOPLE: What has stood out for you so far at this year’s Championships? Has anything surprised you?
PATRICK MCENROE: Every Wimbledon reminds you that the game is always evolving. As we speak, Djokovic had just delivered an epic match on Centre Court. Watching him compete at this level has been extraordinary. He’s accomplished almost everything there is in tennis, yet he still finds another gear on Centre Court, pulling off amazing victories at 39.
MELISSA ERRICO: The atmosphere is electric. It’s a blend of sport and showmanship, strategy and storytelling. Djokovic’s consistency and his willingness to push through the toughest moments remind you why the sport captivates audiences around the world. And beyond the court, the broader stories — like Kate Middleton’s appearance and the ongoing drama of the tournament — add another layer of magic to the experience.
As the day darkens and the final approaches, Patrick and Melissa prepare to celebrate a personal milestone amid the global spectacle. For Patrick, turning 60 is a testament to decades spent in a life centered on competition, teamwork, and the deep ties of family. For Melissa, the moment represents a new chapter in which she brings her artistry to a London audience, blending the worlds of sport and stage in a way that underscores how their lives intertwine.
In a year when the French Open doubles champion reflects on tennis becoming something larger than sport, this history-making week at Wimbledon is a fitting backdrop for the McEnroe-Erri coe family’s story. Their appreciation for the game, their recognition of the sport’s evolving nature, and their embrace of new challenges — from Djokovic’s tireless pursuit of excellence to Errico’s debut in a storied jazz venue — illustrate a shared belief: that tennis is more than a game; it is a living, communal experience that resonates long after the last match point.