Tue, 04 Jul 1995

Look back in anger 1

* Tim Henman's disqualification from Wimbledon this year for accidentally hitting a ballgirl with a stray tennis ball is nothing compared to the checkered record of three-time champion John McEnroe.

* McEnroe is most famous for his "pits of the world" statement during an early round match in 1980. McEnroe was playing on Court One when he thought his first serve had landed on the line but the ball was called out by the linesman.

* McEnroe marched over the umpire's chair. "The ball was in, chalk flew up," McEnroe shouted as he threw his hands up in emphasis. He continued to rage about the officiating, earning himself a hefty fine.

* His outburst also earned the ire of his opponents. Against Jimmy Connors in the semifinal, McEnroe became involved in another heated exchange with the umpire. Connors, himself a former bad boy of tennis, came over to McEnroe and said, "Next time, I'll bring my son out here to play with you. He's about your age." His son, Brett, was two at the time.

* Partnered with Peter Fleming, McEnroe faced the Australian doubles team of Peter McNamara and Paul McNamee in the semifinal. McEnroe started to complain about a line call and McNamee responded by telling him to "Shut your bloody mouth."

Compiled by Russell Barlow, ATP Tour World Doubles Championship Consultant.