John McEnroe’s career is filled with unforgettable moments that cemented his place as one of tennis’s all-time greats. With 77 singles titles, 77 doubles titles, he had a unique ability to dominate both the singles and doubles court.
Throughout this article, we review 5 of his most memorable matches.
1980 Wimbledon Final vs. Björn Borg
The 1980 Wimbledon Final between John McEnroe and Björn Borg is often mentioned as one of the greatest matches in tennis history. Borg, aiming for his fifth consecutive title, faced a determined McEnroe in a battle that showcased their contrasting styles—Borg’s cool composure versus McEnroe’s fiery intensity.
The match is best remembered for its dramatic fourth-set tiebreak, where McEnroe saved five championship points and prevailed 18-16 after 20 nail-biting minutes. Though McEnroe may have forced a deciding fifth set, Borg ultimately triumphed 1–6, 7–5, 6–3, 6–7(16–18), 8–6, in a marathon lasting 3 hours and 53 minutes.
1981 Wimbledon Meltdown
One of John McEnroe’s most unforgettable matches came in the first round of Wimbledon in 1981, where he faced Tom Gullikson. Played on Centre Court, this match is etched in tennis history not for its result—a straight-sets win for McEnroe (7-6, 7-5, 6-3)—but for the fiery outburst that defined his career. When a serve was called out, McEnroe erupted at chair umpire Edward James with the now-iconic phrase, “You cannot be serious!”
The moment captured his volatile passion and remains one of the most replayed clips in tennis, embodying McEnroe’s legendary personality.
Despite the controversy, he powered through the tournament to claim the Wimbledon title that year.
1984 US Open Victory
John McEnroe defeated Ivan Lendl in the final with a score of 6–3, 6–4, 6–1. This victory marked McEnroe’s fourth US Open singles title and his seventh and last major singles title overall.
McEnroe’s performance in 1984 was exceptional, as he compiled an 82–3 match record, which remains the highest single-season win rate of the Open Era.
1984 Wimbledon Final vs Jimmy Connors
McEnroe and Connors had a fierce rivalry that often led to intense matches. In the 1984 Wimbledon final, McEnroe dominated Connors with a score of 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, which is considered by many to be one of the best performances in a Wimbledon final.
Their rivalry was also marked by confrontations, such as the incident during the 1982 Michelob Light Challenge final in Rosemont, Illinois, where they almost came to blows.
1981 US Open Championship
In the 1981 US Open final, John McEnroe defeated Björn Borg with a score of 4–6, 6–2, 6–4, 6–3.
This victory marked McEnroe’s third US Open singles title and fourth major singles title overall. Notably, this final would be Borg’s last major appearance before his retirement from the sport.
—
Want to follow tennis throughout the year? Download our mobile app ‘The Love of Tennis’: https://app.theloveoftennis.co.uk .
