John McEnroe claims Serena Williams would not be able to compete at men’s level

Wednesday, 28 June 2017 07:00

John McEnroe has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons after claiming that Serena Williams would struggle to compete on the men’s circuit.

Speaking to US radio station NPR, the seven-time Grand Slam winner said that Williams, who has won an open-era record 23 Grand Slams, would be “700 in the world” if she competed amongst male players.

Dmitry Tursunov, ranked 701 in the world, dipped his oar in – saying he believes he could beat her.

Williams responded to McEnroe via Twitter: "Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.

"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."

The 35-year-old won her 23^rd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, unaware that she was pregnant at the time.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.