Wild story as McEnroe and Borg receive Wimbledon snub from hitting on Centre Court, given Court Six instead
ATPFriday, 14 July 2023 at 19:00
The Wimbledon organization rejected John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg's request to play on Centre Court and instead offered them Court 6.
John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg formed one of the most famous rivalries in tennis history, with 14 matches between them and an even record of 7-7. Their rivalry on the court was highlighted by their divergent temperaments and playing styles: the cool and emotionless demeanor of the Swedish player Borg contrasted with the American player McEnroe's reputation for court-side tantrums. This led to their rivalry being famously labeled as "Fire and Ice."
The most memorable duel between the two was the 1980 Wimbledon final, considered by many as the greatest match in history and inspiring the movie "Borg/McEnroe." In that final, Bjorn Borg, the defending champion, rallied from being 2-1 down in sets and won a lengthy tie-break in the fourth set, in which McEnroe had five match points and lasted for 20 minutes.
McEnroe commented to the press that he requested the All England Club organization to allow him to hit with Borg on Centre Court at Wimbledon, but the organization denied them the opportunity and offered them Court 6 instead.
In addition to their encounters at Wimbledon, McEnroe and Borg met in other Grand Slam finals, such as the US Open and the French Open. Each of them managed to win on different surfaces, showcasing their versatility and mastery in all playing conditions.
Off the court, despite their differences in temperament and playing style, McEnroe and Borg had great mutual respect. They acknowledged each other's talent and admired their dedication to the sport. Even after their competitive years, they have maintained a lasting friendship.
The rivalry between McEnroe and Borg not only left an indelible mark on the history of tennis but also helped popularize the sport worldwide. Their thrilling and dramatic encounters captivated millions of spectators around the globe and elevated tennis to new levels of popularity.
To this day, the rivalry between McEnroe and Borg is remembered as one of the greatest in sports history. Their legacy endures in the minds of tennis fans and continues to inspire future generations of players.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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