Serena Williams has no interest in John McEnroe’s thoughts on what would happen if she tried to play on the men’s tennis tour.
Williams responded Monday via Twitter to comments McEnroe made during a weekend interview with NPR to promote his latest book.
Williams tells McEnroe, “I adore and respect you,” but asks him to “please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.”
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
McEnroe, a former player and now TV commentator, said Williams is the best women’s tennis player in history — “no question.” But when asked whether she was the sport’s best ever, regardless of gender, he made it clear he didn’t think so.
He said he thought Williams could beat some men, “but if she had to just play the circuit — the men’s circuit — that would be an entirely different story.” He said if she tried to be part of the men’s tour, “she’d be like 700 in the world.”
In one of her tweets, Williams wrote : “I’ve never played anyone ranked ‘there’ nor do I have time.”
She added: “Respect me and my privacy as I’m trying to have a baby. Good day sir.”
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
Williams is taking a break from the tennis tour because she is pregnant. She plans to return to competition in 2018.
The American has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, a record in the Open era, which began in 1968.
McEnroe won seven major titles. There were numerous responses to Serena’s tweets.
Serena to John McEnroe: “Keep my name out your mouth” signed The G.O.A.T in ALL sports pic.twitter.com/F8HdhOzCdE
— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) June 26, 2017
John McEnroe has some nerve coming for Serena.
Looking like wilted lettuce. pic.twitter.com/97kXc3WcoF
— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) June 26, 2017
It’s so insane that anytime other tennis players want to make a splash in the news they mention and insult @serenawilliams get ur own media
— The Pancake Life (@MrsPancakes2011) June 26, 2017
He didn’t just mention anything. He was asked a question. My goodness, Serena and her followers are so touchy and insecure.
— Micheal Peterman (@MikeP1378) June 26, 2017
YUP. BECAUSE HE IS IRRELEVANT. needs Serena to sell a couple copies
— Mike (@Knicks2134) June 26, 2017
— Alex Leo (@AlexMLeo) June 27, 2017