McEnroe’s ‘serious’ spat

In a fit of bad manners, John McEnroe shouted “you cannot be serious” on this date in 1981 during his 7-6 (5), 7-5, 6-3 first-round victory over Tom Gullikson at Wimbledon.

McEnroe’s tantrum was prompted when his return of Gullikson’s serve was ruled out by chair umpire Edward James. He also called James “the pits of the world” and an “incompetent fool.”

McEnroe asked that head referee Fred Hoyles be summoned when James assessed the No. 2-seeded American from Queens, N.Y., a point penalty.

After McEnroe lost his argument with Hoyles, Gullikson held serve and McEnroe called Hoyles an “imbecile” on the changeover, which drew another point penalty from James.

McEnroe, who was two outbursts away from forfeiting, was later fined $1,500.

Here is a look at other memorable games and outstanding sports performances on this date:

1938 — In a rematch portrayed as “Roosevelt vs. Hitler” and “good vs. evil,” Joe Louis of the U.S. knocks out Germany’s Max Schmeling at 2 minutes 4 seconds of the first round before 80,000 on a humid night at Yankee Stadium in New York to retain the world heavyweight title. An undefeated Louis had lost to Schmeling in 1936.

1994 — The Houston Rockets, led by center Hakeem Olajuwon, win their first championship by beating the New York Knicks 90-84 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Olajuwon has 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.

2006 — The U.S. soccer team is eliminated from World Cup play at Nuremberg, Germany, when it loses 2-1 to Ghana. The U.S. ties the score late in the first half, but Ghana, on a controversial call, is awarded a penalty kick that it converts to regain the lead as the half is extended into extra time.

2014 — Michelle Wie wins the U.S. Women’s Open in Pinehurst, N.C., for her first major championship when she beats top-ranked Stacy Lewis by two shots. Wie makes a 25-foot birdie putt on the 71st hole and then closes out her victory with a par on the last for a final-round 70. Lewis shoots a 66.