The rivalry between the two men was forged in the heat of battle in some of the greatest ever tennis matches. The contrasting on-court personas of the two also contributed to it as well. Self-styled 'Superbrat' McEnroe a polar opposite of 'Iceman' Borg.

It started in the 1980 Wimbledon final, considered one of the greatest finals of all-time, a five set thriller that included a 20 minute tie-break. Borg won to set a record of five back to back Wimbledon titles. It continued to the US Open of the same year where the two men once again contested a five set classic with Borg victorious once more.

The following year McEnroe beat Borg in the Wimbledon final to end Borg's 41 match unbeaten run in the tournament. McEnroe then beat Borg in the 1981 US Open, the Swede's last ever game in a grand slam. Both men are considered among the greats of the game.