Oh, John McEnroe. You tried it, you really did.
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On Sunday, McEnroe told NPR’s Weekend Edition host Lulu Garcia-Navarro that Serena Williams was the “best female [tennis] player ever — no question.” But when asked why he felt the need to caveat his response in gendered terms, McEnroe insisted, “…if she played the men’s circuit, she’d be, like, 700 in the world.”
That sound you hear is a collective “excuse you?” Indeed, Twitter made sure to set McEnroe straight, first by pointing out Williams’ own superpowers.
Number of tennis tournaments won by Serena Williams while pregnant: 1.
Number of tennis tournaments won by John McEnroe while pregnant: 0.
— (((OhNoSheTwitnt))) (@OhNoSheTwitnt) June 27, 2017
Let John McEnroe win a major while he is literally creating new human life inside his evil body and then he can talk about Serena Williams. https://t.co/kRVjMYJee8
— ️ ♿️✡️ Amadi (@amaditalks) June 26, 2017
It’s no wonder pathetic men are intimidated by Serena Williams. She has a body that can WIN EVERYTHING and ALSO CREATE HUMAN LIFE.
— Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) June 27, 2017
Others pushed back on the notion that the benchmark for greatness are head-to-head competitions between men and women.
Why do people feel as though men are the standard of success? Like Serena can’t feel validated UNLESS she beats a man? Serena is the GOAT
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) June 27, 2017
The underlying argument is about dominating the sport. It’s not about “Could she beat Fed or any other dude?” It’s about the achievements.
— Benjamin Freed (@brfreed) June 27, 2017
Fact: Serena Williams is the greatest tennis player of all time. Yes, she’s greater than Roger and Rafa. Accepting that won’t kill you. pic.twitter.com/MmO6o4DIJG
— King Quenchi (@MrQuenchiAdams) June 26, 2017
Serena Williams is perhaps the most dominant player to ever pick up a racket. I don’t understand why this is even a discussion.
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) June 27, 2017
Although, some folks were pretty sure Serena would take no mercy.
Look do y’all wanna open gender championship so we can watch Serena crush your little asses or you just goin keep talkin shit? https://t.co/ZvcYq9ErUF
— אהרון | Aaron (@WhoTFisPetey) June 26, 2017
Speaking of lesser men, anyone pick up on a similar pattern on who sided with McEnroe?
anyone ever notice something in common about who goes after serena williams? pic.twitter.com/CImBjynw0Q
— Oliver Willis (@owillis) June 27, 2017
So many white dude tears about Serena Williams in my mentions today. pic.twitter.com/phlmPXv05d
— Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) June 27, 2017
I see that dudes are still mad that Serena Williams knows & owns her worth.
— Sarah Lerner (@SarahLerner) June 27, 2017
Serena Williams’ consistent greatness will always make insecure men reveal themselves, but it will never detract from said greatness.
— Play Vicious (@ItsPlayVicious) June 27, 2017
Even Serena felt compelled to respond to McEnroe. And this style is one I like to describe as the most polite way to tell someone, “Hi, please exclude me from your bullshit narrative.”
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
In sum: Serena is the GOAT, and don’t you ever forget that.
GOOD DAY, SIR.
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