SPORTS CENTURY: CLASSIC BATTLE LINES: MCENROE AND BORG: 1981 WIMBLEDON (TV)
Summary
One in this documentary series which provides a comprehensive analysis of classic games and moments in sports history. In this episode, host Rich Eisen provides background on the history-making tennis rematch between "stoic, steely Swede" Bjorn Borg and "the incendiary practitioner of slash-and-burn tennis" John McEnroe at Wimbledon on July 4, 1981. Dave Kindred of The Sporting News describes Wimbledon as "the ultimate site ... heaven for tennis players." Joel Drucker of Tennis Magazine documents how, in the '80s, McEnroe began "nipping at the heels" of tennis' dominant player, Borg. Mike Lupica of New York Daily News describes how the rematch had "all the trimmings of a great heavyweight prize fight." Jim Lampley of HBO Sports points out differences in the pair's personalities, characterizing Borg as quiet and well-behaved while McEnroe was seen as "a brash upstart from Queens, equal parts talent and tantrums." McEnroe and Borg also reflect on their personas in the '80s. Jim Nantz of CBS Sports comments on the dynamics of the Borg-McEnroe 1980 Wimbledon match (shown in clips), from which Borg ultimately emerged as the champion after a lengthy battle. Lupica offers feedback on McEnroe's bad manners and lack of decorum at Wimbledon. According to Donald Dell, Association of Tennis Players co-founder, McEnroe's "histrionics" intimidated officials. Peter Fleming, McEnroe's former doubles partner, tells about McEnroe's antics causing a furor in the media. McEnroe's "shenanigans" and bad behavior against Tom Gullikson, with whom he played his opening match, is addressed by Dick Stockton, 1974 Wimbledon semi-finalist. Jimmy Connors, two-time Wimbledon champion, talks about the semi-finals he played with Borg, after which Borg faced McEnroe once again. Borg recalls how McEnroe kept himself "on a normal level" during the game (shown in clips.) Fleming speaks about McEnroe's strategies during the match. Washington Post writer Barry Lodge tells how Borg's fortunes shifted and he proved unable to return McEnroe's serves, leading to McEnroe's eventual victory. Headlines are shown which proclaim "John Sinks the Iceborg!" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Tennis commentator Bud Collins talks about interviewing both players after the game. The negative fallout from McEnroe's decision to skip the Champion's Dinner -- a Wimbledon tradition -- is discussed by Daily Mail writer Laurie Pignon. McEnroe comments on Wimbledon's subsequent ruling not to give him a membership. Collins tells how Borg lost to McEnroe in followup games, leading to the end of his tennis career at age twenty-six. Peter Bodo of Tennis Magazine states that McEnroe was "devastated" at being unable to further compete against his longtime opponent. McEnroe characterizes it as "the greatest rivalry to be a part of." Borg admits that he and McEnroe brought out the best in each other. Finally, Eisen offers closing thoughts on the legendary pair of athletes. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: ESPN
- DATE: November 30, 2000
- RUNNING TIME: 0:50:00
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:74039
- GENRE: Sports
- SUBJECT HEADING: Tennis
- SERIES RUN: ESPN - TV series, 2001
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Rich Eisen … Host
- Peter Bodo
- Bjorn Borg
- Bud Collins
- Jimmy Connors
- Donald Dell
- Joel Drucker
- Peter Fleming
- Tom Guillikson
- Dave Kindred
- Jim Lampley
- Barry Lodge
- Mike Lupica
- John McEnroe
- Jim Nantz
- Laurie Pignon
- Dick Stockton