Serena Williams slams McEnroe as Kyrgios and Hewitt weigh in
Serena Williams sets out to inspire fellow women athletes. Photo: Getty
Tennis legend Serena Williams has shut down former great John McEnroe after he claimed that she would be ranked about “700 in the world” if she played on the men’s tour.
Williams, who has won 23 grand slam singles titles in a glittering career, has dominated the WTA Tour to such an extent that her ability against men has often been a topic of hypothetical discussion.
McEnroe admitted Williams was the “greatest woman to play tennis” in a radio interview with American station NPR but that she would struggle to compete against men.
“If she was in the men’s circuit, she’d be like 700 in the world,” he said.
“That doesn’t mean she’s not like an incredible player, but the reality of what would happen on a given day … Serena could beat some players because she’s so incredibly strong mentally, but if she just played the men’s circuit, it’s an entirely different story.
“Maybe at some [sports], a woman can be better than anybody. But I haven’t seen it in any other sport, and I haven’t seen it in tennis.”
Williams, who is taking a break from the tennis tour due to pregnancy, responded quickly on Twitter.
“Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based,” she posted.
“I’ve never played anyone ranked ‘there’ nor do I have time.
“Respect me and my privacy as I’m trying to have a baby. Good day sir.”
Williams’ response has already generated nearly 50,000 Twitter interactions.
Nick Kyrgios was then roped into the debate, after Nine Network presenter Tony Jones said Williams would beat the often-criticised Aussie.
Jones, who said Kyrgios was “brittle” mentally, added that “her mental strength alone would see her get the better of somebody like Nick Kyrgios”.
“I’d back her in,” he told 3AW.
Kyrgios could not resist biting back on Twitter.
And, we have officially seen it all 😅🤦🏽♂️ https://t.co/blFOr6VhoP
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2017
If this is the case, Djokovic, Fed & Nadal would struggle against her? Since they all have had a tough match against me? 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2017
Australia’s Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt also used the website to call Jones a “goose” for his comments.
