John McEnroe defeated five-time defending champion Björn Borg in a rematch of the previous year's final, 4–6, 7–6(7–1), 7–6(7–4), 6–4 to win the gentlemen's singles tennis title at the 1981 Wimbledon Championships.

Borg was attempting to equal William Renshaw's record of six consecutive Wimbledon titles and Roy Emerson's all-time record of 12 major singles titles.

The disagreement took place on 22 June, during his first round match against Tom Gullikson.

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He was replaced in the draw by lucky loser Mike Estep.