John McEnroe humorously remarked that he might consider suing anyone who uses his iconic catchphrase, “you cannot be serious,” during a lively commentary on BBC 1. The light-hearted moment occurred while Jannik Sinner faced Pedro Martinez in a match where Sinner dominated the first set, winning 6-1. As the second set began, Martinez made a misjudgment on one of Sinner’s serves, leading to McEnroe referencing his notable outburst from the 1981 Wimbledon match against Tom Gullikson when he famously complained about an umpiring decision.
In the exchange, commentator Andrew Castle cheekily suggested that McEnroe should have trademarked the phrase, to which McEnroe confirmed he did, expressing a funny lament on not profiting from it. “I am still waiting to get some money,” he said, revealing that while he holds the trademark, he hasn’t seen any financial gain from it. Castle playfully pushed the boundaries of the runtime by declaring the catchphrase live on air, claiming he owed McEnroe a dollar fifty for using it.
The exchange not only highlighted the memorable catchphrase that has embedded itself in tennis culture but also showcased the affable rapport between McEnroe and commentators, reminding everyone of the fascinating blend of humor and sport.
This light-hearted interaction carries a positive spin, illustrating how even in competitive sports, moments of laughter and nostalgia can unite fans and players alike.