Serena hits back at McEnroe comments

Serena Williams has fired back at former world No.1 John McEnroe after he made controversial comments about her on American radio.

McEnroe declared “if she (Williams) played the men’s circuit she’d be, like, 700 in the world.”

The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion made the comments while promoting his memoir, But Seriously.

“If she had to just play the men’s circuit, it would be an entirely different story,” McEnroe added, referring to her achievements which include an Open era record 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

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

Russian veteran Dmitry Tursunov, a former top 20 player now ranked No.701, added fuel to the debate by supporting McEnroe’s claim.

“I’ve never heard John say anything absolutely stupid – he knows his stuff. What he said about her being an incredible player is correct – explosive, powerful and she puts in a lot of work. But I would hope that I would win,” the 34-year-old said when asked if he believed he could beat Williams.

“Tennis is becoming more and more a physical sport, so it’s going to be hard for a woman to beat the men.”

A journalist on Australian radio responded to the comments by claiming he believed Williams could beat Australia’s top-ranked man Nick Kyrgios, which earnt the wrath of the world No.20.

And, we have officially seen it all ??????????????? https://t.co/blFOr6VhoP

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2017