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: April 6
April 6, 1896 – The First modern-era Olympic Games have opening ceremonies not far from
St. Louis Cardinals: My Secret “2nd Favorite Team” Growing Up
Most of us who follow sports have a favorite team. In baseball, my favorite
Sports History On This Day: April 5
April 5, 1927 – American champion swimmer, Johnny Weissmuller set a couple of records in
Sports History On This Day: April 4
April 4, 1937 – At what was just the 4th Masters Golf Tournament, or officially
Sports History On This Day: April 3
April 3, 1962 – Legendary jockey Eddie Arcaro at the ripe old age of 46 years old,
Sports History On This Day: April 2
April 2, 1931 – This story is one of those juicy tidbits from history. A
Super Bowl XXXIII (Broncos vs. Falcons): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXXIII, which was held on January 31, 1999, at
Sports History On This Day: April 1
April 1, 1919 – This is not an April Fools Day prank! I think after the past