John McEnroe feels he doesn’t owe Serena Williams an apology after claiming she would be ranked 700th in the World if she competed with men.
The comments drew the ire of tennis fans and Williams responded on twitter by saying that the statement was not factual.
In an interview with NPR McEnroe expressed the opinion that the 23 time major champion would struggle on the men’s tour and would rank 700th in the World.
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
Appearing on American TV show CBS's This Morning on Tuesday, the former tennis champion defended his controversial comments.
“She’s the greatest female player that ever lived, then the lady (interviewer) said why did you say woman, why did you say the greatest tennis player that ever lived?
"Then I felt the need, however unfortunately, to defend myself and say what I really felt, which is about what I think she would be."
“No,” McEnroe said when asked if he would like to apologise to Williams.
"I've got a solution. Solve the problem, and I'm sure the men would be all for this: the men and women play together. And then we don't have to guess."
