“John McEnroe called me ‘Son of a b*tch'” – Ilie Nastase recalls his tactic to “annoy” American in heated US Open 1979 clash amid default controversy
The intense showdown between John McEnroe and Ilie Nastase in the 1979 US Open became one of the sport’s most unforgettable clashes. The drama unfolded in the second round, where Nastase’s antics and McEnroe’s fiery temperament turned the match into a spectacle. Known for his unpredictable behavior, Nastase used various tactics to unsettle his younger opponent, even lying down on the court and acting as if he were asleep to protest a line call.
This infuriated the umpire, who eventually penalized Nastase a game, intensifying the already heated atmosphere.
The confrontation reached a breaking point when McEnroe, frustrated by Nastase’s behavior, shouted, calling him a “son of a b*tch.” In response, Nastase humorously retorted to the umpire, demanding that McEnroe address him as “Mr. Son of a b*tch,” which only further fueled the crowd’s excitement.
Eventually, Nastase’s behavior led the chair umpire to default him, causing an uproar among spectators. Fans, displeased with the decision, began throwing items onto the court, forcing officials to intervene and reinstate Nastase to prevent a riot.
After an 18-minute pause and a change in umpire, the match continued, with McEnroe ultimately winning. Surprisingly, the two players later shared a meal together, as if the incident had not happened. This match cemented both players’ reputations as “bad boys” of tennis, and it stands as one of the most controversial events in US Open history.
