June 22, 1981 – There are legendary moments in sports history captured on video and then there are iconic ones that are played so much that they are forever embedded into the human brain. It happened this day at the Wimbledon where American tennis star John McEnroe set the prim and proper English tourney on its ear when he had his infamous tirade of ‘You cannot be serious’ rant in 1st round win over Tom Gullikson.
McEnroe was perturbed with a Wimbledon umpire’s line call during the match, with which he obviously disagreed with. McEnroe went on with a few more lines directed at the Ump, but with the politeness of the British umpire Edward James, eventually responded by politely announcing: “I’m going to award a point against you, Mr. McEnroe.”
The line, “You Cannot be serious,” was made famous that day and ended up being the title of a book the tennis great would write years later.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Sports History On This Day: May 27
May 27, 1968 – Football’s legendary player, owner, and founding NFL member George Halas retired
Sports History On This Day: May 26
May 26, 1974 – The words “Gentlemen start your engines,” was declared for the first
Sports History On This Day: May 25
May 25, 1919 – There are hidden talents to many of the athletes we celebrate
Indy 500 Race Day: On The Grid
In this episode, Tim Coffeen will take you inside the garage as an Indy
Sports History On This Day: May 24
May 24, 1935 – A landmark event occurred at the ballpark in Cincinnati, Ohio. President
How Would You Rank the Best NFL Teams of the 1970s?
Many would argue the NFL during the 1970s was the best era in league
Sports History On This Day: May 23
May 23, 1922 – Boxer Gene Tunney suffered his only professional defeat in a 15-round
When George Halas Went To War; What Happened to the Chicago Bears?
George Halas, the founder and also coach of the Chicago Bears for many decades,