On this day: 1981 - John McEnroe defeats Bjorn Borg in US Open final

Sport360 staff 21:48 12/09/2015
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  • Super Swede: Bjorn Borg.

    Bjorn Borg was 25 at this point in time but the US Open was a title that had evaded him for nine years. Coming into Flushing Meadows ranked No2, the rumour mills were buzzing. Many players whispered that Borg was finished.

    John McEnroe had taken his perch at the top of the men’s game and was aiming for a third straight US title.

    Borg and McEnroe had met 13 times, with Borg barely holding the edge at 7-6. But it was in New York on this day 34 years ago where the American out- glowed the Swede.

    In the end, McEnroe won 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3, but things got bizarre with Borg missing the trophy ceremony. This was the end for the great Swede.

    Other memorable events on this day…

    1981: The Atlanta Falcons tie the record of 31 points in the fourth quarter against Greenbay Packers.

    1991: Joe Carter is the first baseball player with three consecutive 100 RBI seasons with three different teams (Indians, Padres, Blue Jays).

    1991: Kim Zmeskal is the first American to win a medal at World Gymnastics Championships, winning the gold with 39.848 points.

    1999: Having spent 15 years as quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Hall of Famer John Elway’s No7 jersey is retired.

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