The things they say ...

Press, 5 July 1983, Page 40

The things they say ...

NZPA London “I’m trying to steer clear of controversy ...” Thus spoke John McEnroe at the start of the Wimbledon tennis championships. Not surprisingly, the new champion failed.

Also not surprisingly, most of the priceless quotes at Wimbledon during the past fortnight have concerned the 24-year-old American.

The following exchange occurred when McEnroe asked the tournament referee, Alan Mills, to replace the foot-fault judge during his second-round win over the Rumanian, Florin Segarceanu.

Mills: “As far as I’m concerned the official is competent.” McEnroe: “Do you know

the meaning of the word?” During the same match McEnroe asked the umpire, Malcolm Huntington, who was in the chair for his victory over New Zealand’s Chris Lewis in yesterday’s final: “Do you know what two and two is?” The American, Sandy Mayer, who went down to McEnroe in the quarterfinals, offered these rare gems: “I don’t think he played very well” — after losing 6-3, 7-5, 6-0. During the same match Mayer also asked the umpire: “Next time he smashes the ball and almost hits me do you want me to take matters into my own hands? If he does it again, I’ll take care of him.” McEnroe aroused different feelings in his arch rival, Ivan Lendl of Czecho-

slovakia, in their semi-final meeting. “I think John behaved very well today, which is good.” Perhaps McEnroe was on his best behaviour because the British Prime Minister, Mrs Thatcher, was watching and he said wryly: “I was aware she was watching. It must have been nice for her to see two conservative guys playing.” McEnroe’s 17-year-old brother, Patrick, who reached the semi-finals of the junior event, on why he is so calm by comparison on court: “I have the same anger down there bubbling but I do my best to keep it under control. I’ve seen the grief John suffers and it’s not worth it.” A final word from McEnroe: “I don’t claim I’m the

greatest guy in the world.” The other unforgettable one-liners included: “I can still get better.” — Martina Navratilova. “My father is not an African chief — he was a chef.” — Nduka Odizor, of Nigeria. “I took a last look over my shoulder as I was leaving the centre court — just in case it was the last time.” — Billie Jean King after her semi-final defeat by Andrea Jaeger. “I used to put Jimmy on a pedestal. Now I play the man not the pedestal.” — Kevin Curren after toppling the top seed, Jimmy Connors.

“I didn’t think I’d ever, ever reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon.” — Yvonne Vermaak, of South Africa.