Yesterday was John McEnroe’s 50th birthday (!) and what better way to celebrate than with a classic clip from the 1981 Wimbledon final? This was McEnroe’s first singles championship at the AELTC, breaking Bjorn Borg’s run for a sixth straight Wimbledon title. (McEnroe almost stopped Federer, I mean Borg, the year before in a five set final that’s been called the best tennis match of all time – catch the famous fourth set tie breaker on youtube.)
Enjoy! (Look out for some awkward water cooler moments and a sweet Princess Diana head bob at the end.)
Can’t get enough of Johnny Mac? Then click here to check out the Telegraph’s top 10 highlights from the SuperBrat’s career.
Photo from NoGoodForMe
Tags: Bjorn Borg, Federer, John McEnroe, tennis video, Wimbledon




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I remember watching this match on a tiny black and white in the stifling third floor rear apartment of a Chicago six flat. A toddler asked me “Why are you yelling so much, Mommy?”
John McEnroe’s game was the reason I fell in love with tennis. Thanks for the clip, Freakyfrites. (I love it that there’s not a bottle of water or Gatorade around. Back then, champions drank Coke!)
Hi Alice!
I remember that t.v. too! Coinkydink?
They should definitely bring back the watercoolers – much more environmentally friendly than all those bottles. . .