John McEnroe’s epic Wimbledon meltdown: ‘You cannot be serious!’ | ESPN Archives

On June 22, 1981, John McEnroe had arguably his most famous on-court meltdown, shouting “You cannot be serious!” at chair umpire Edward James. McEnroe would go on to win the match and defeat his rival Bjorn Borg in the finals to be crowned the 1981 Wimbledon champion.

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[juharon]

‘You cannot be serious!’ John McEnroe said calmly.

[ilovebrandnewcarpets]

Despite the poor quality of the video, the ball was CLEARLY in.

[tccandler]

Even with a 40 year old grainy footage... it is absolutely clear that McEnroe was correct on both calls. The umpire was incompetent and had an agenda. It is absolute justice that he went on to win this match in straight sets and eventually the 1981 tournament!

[suzie]

If you watched the mens Wimbledon final last night, you’d have seen how many times the linesman calls were disputed, and only to have hawk-eye prove the challenge correct. I feel for McEnroe’s generation of players, who had been dealt incorrect calls throughout their careers.

[kamilmalinowski]

Imagine him and Kyrgios playing each other lol

[benbrennan]

I love how the focus is on him being pissed off and not him being utterly correct 😂

[kasechris]

“ if only he wouldn’t go on about it quite so much.” - the most British thing said ever.”

[cyrilculton]

Johnny Mac was a phenomenal player and so entertaining to watch. Yes his temper would get in his way but, by and large, he was right when challenging a call. The McEnroe v Connors rivalry was incredible. 🎾

[stopandsmelltheroses]

Commentator “My sympathies are with Mr Macenroe, if only he wouldn’t go on about it quite so much” hahahahaha

[MedlifeCrisis]

"My sympathies are 101% with Mr McEnroe. If only he wouldn’t go on about it quite so much” 😂😂

[coreyharvey]

He really played with heart and emotions every game. Win or lose

[Ofirsen]

So basically DFV is saying that we need a new judge to put the corrupt one in check

[paulwhite]

I love how the most temperamental tennis player in his youth became the most considered, thoughtful and articulate tennis commentator.

[FFCloud]

Man would McEnroe would have loved to use hawkeye

[Lebby-lcco]

I’ll never get why people say this type of behavior is embarrassing. This is the type of passion that makes great athletes great

[christopherdavison]

Love Mac. Never a dull moment. But he was right most of the time.

[MORE]

Calls that McEnroe disputed over his career have been reexamined and in most cases, John was correct.

[grahamforster]

I was a 20 year-old spectator at this game, about 30 feet from the court. I had perfect vision at the time. McEnroe was in the right. I understood his frustration at the time.

[georgetd]

If McEnroe were to be playing today, he would've been absolutely insane! His accuracy wouldn't be mistreated like that cuz there would be cameras everywhere <3

[peterhammer]

Mac has always been my favourite tennis player, followed by BB and then Roger. The raw talent McEnroe had was incredible. He was one of a kind. He is also a fantastic commentator nowadays.