John McEnroe Says Serena Williams Wouldn’t Be A Top 700 Player Against Men; Says He Won’t Apologize For Saying It (VIDEO)
During a recent interview with NPR, Tennis legend John McEnroe had some not-so-subtle comments about a pregnant Serena Williams. It involved the skills she displays on the women’s side of tennis, and how he didn’t believe they would translate too well on the men’s side.
McEnroe made it clear that if Serena were playing against men, she wouldn’t even be a top 700 player in the world, according to RollingStone:
“Well, because if she was in, if she played the men’s circuit, she’d be like 700 in the world,” McEnroe said.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t think Serena is an incredible player,” he continued. “I do, but the reality of what would happen would be I think something that perhaps it’d be a little higher, perhaps it’d be a little lower. And on a given day, Serena could beat some players. I believe because she’s so incredibly strong mentally that she could overcome some situations where players would choke ’cause she’s been in it so many times, so many situations at Wimbledon, The U.S. Open, etc. But if she had to just play the circuit – the men’s circuit – that would be an entirely different story.”
On Tuesday, he also made it clear that he wouldn’t be apologizing for his comments:
“Would you like to apologize?” — @NorahODonnell
“No.” — John McEnroe pic.twitter.com/BFN8w2EyfY— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) June 27, 2017
Serena responded via Twitter:
Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 26, 2017
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
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 26, 2017
Comments