John McEnroe says Serena Williams would rank 'like 700' on men's tour
Former tennis great still thinks she's the best female player in the world
John McEnroe says Serena Williams would be "like 700" in the world tennis rankings if she played on the men's tour.
McEnroe, speaking to NPR about his memoir "But Seriously," says Williams is the best female player ever, "no question." But when asked about her being the best ever, without gender qualifiers, McEnroe was clear that he didn't think so.
McEnroe says "if she played the men's circuit she'd be like 700 in the world."
The former tennis bad boy added that he thought Williams could beat some male players, "but if she had to just play the circuit — the men's circuit — that would be an entirely different story."
McEnroe won seven Grand Slam titles in his career. Williams has won 23.
Williams, who is pregnant and hasn't played since winning the Australian Open in January, responded via Twitter.
Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.
—@serenawilliamsI'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
—@serenawilliams