Donnay / Wilson

​

Borg Pro / Jack Kramer Pro Staff

​

1980

 

In It was July 5th, 1980. In any assessment of great sporting moments of the 20th Century, the 1980 Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles final between the defending champion Bjorn Borg of Sweden and John McEnroe of the USA has earned an unchallenged place. Borg was then 24 and was playing in his fifth consecutive Wimbledon final having won the previous four. For second-seeded McEnroe, this was his first appearance in the final at the age of 21. A backhand passing shot would end the historical match and Borg was Champion by 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 8-6.

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the one match of their 14 that tennis fans remember and celebrate to this day. That’s partly because it’s the last important one where the angel triumphed over the devil. It’s also because, in its setting and place in time, with its wooden racquets, colorful headbands, short shorts, and wild hair, the 1980 Wimbledon final serves as a poignant reminder of a golden era now long past, when tennis reached a peak of popularity and cultural influence it would never reach again.