Famous tennis player, Serena Williams has hit back at retired American tennis player, John McEnroe over his statement that the 23-times grand slam champion would be ranked “like 700 in the world” if she had to play on the men’s circuit.
McEnroe , who is a 7-time grand slam champion had said that Williams was “the best female player ever” but declined to label her the best overall.
“If she played the men’s circuit she’d be like 700 in the world,” he said.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t think Serena is an incredible player. I do.
“And on a given day, Serena could beat some players… But if she had to just play the circuit — the men’s circuit — that would be an entirely different story.”
Respect
Out of respect for McEnroe, the former world number one Williams, who has taken time off to have a baby, responded testily on Twitter.
“Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based,” she tweeted.
“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.”
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