In 1978, 19-year-old John McEnroe contested his first Davis Cup matches.
The American, who would go on to become one of tennis’ most recognisable athletes, helped lead the US to its first Davis Cup title in six years.
In the final against Great Britain, McEnroe was pitted against John Lloyd.
Lloyd, former world number 23, was the first British male tennis player in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam singles final, doing so at the 1977 Australian Open.
Lloyd, who was the far more experienced player, was demolished by McEnroe when they contested the opening match of the 1978 Davis Cup Final.
John Lloyd said John McEnroe made him look like an ‘idiot’
In the first match of the 1978 Davis Cup Final, John McEnroe defeated John Lloyd 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
After the match, Lloyd said that he had been made to look like an ‘idiot’ by the young American.
As per Tennis.com, Lloyd said: “I have never played anybody, including Borg and Connors, who has been as tough and made me play so many shots.
“No one has ever made me look like that much of an idiot.”
McEnroe again contributed to the US’ success a few days later, defeating Buster Mottram 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.
With McEnroe’s victory, the US clinched a 4-1 victory against their British opponents, securing a 25th Davis Cup crown.
After the tie was secured, Australian legend Harry Hopman praised McEnroe, comparing the young American star to Rod Laver.
He said: “He’s about where Rod Laver was at 19.
“He’s got tremendous potential. I like his game, his ability to slow it, attack. He did that today. Wonderful variety.”
John McEnroe became world number one in 1980
In 1980, McEnroe rose to the pinnacle of men’s tennis, surpassing the likes of Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors to become world number one.
The American achieved the landmark feat after defeating Connors in the final of the Memphis Open, a result that saw him overtake Bjorn Borg.
McEnroe had become the first player to be world number one in singles and doubles at the same time. McEnroe had been the world’s top-ranked doubles player since April 23, 1979.
“To look and go, ‘Oh my God, there’s not one person above me is not something when I was growing up that I was expecting to happen,” McEnroe said, as reported by the ATP Tour.
“It was quite surprising to look at my name and below it be like Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors.”
