The wooden Wilson Pro Staff racquet - which was used by McEnroe between 1977 and 1980 - is still just held together by its strings after the seven-time grand slam winner smashed it to the ground in a fit of pique, after presumably disagreeing with an umpire's line call.
It is not known whether McEnroe shouted his catchphrase – "You cannot be serious?" – when he smashed the implement.
The racquet is being sold alongside another one of McEnroe's, which is fully intact, during a timed auction by sports memorabilia specialists BUDDS which is due to conclude on July 19.
Both are estimated to be worth between £3,000 and £5,000 ($A5,770 to $A9,600), and were gifted by McEnroe to Linda Matthews, who was the owner of the accommodation where he stayed while playing at Wimbledon.
In 2012, Linda's son Sam Matthews appeared on the TV show Antiques Roadshow with the smashed racquet.
McEnroe confirmed on the program that he had used the smashed racquet before signing it.
He told the television show: "That was definitely a racquet I played with. I know this is hard to believe but there were times when I got a little upset out there."
It also comes with a note to Matthews from the tennis player turned commentator, reading: "Thanks for the memories, good or bad!"
Meanwhile, Andy Murray's Adidas trainers which he wore during his historic 2013 Wimbledon title triumph are also listed in the same auction and are expected to sell for up to £1,500 ($A2,885).
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