A collage of a photo of John McEnroe and Serena Williams

John McEnroe Tried to Diminish Serena Williams’ Greatness, But the Internet Wasn’t Having It




This article was made possible because of the generous support of DAME members.  We urgently need your help to keep publishing. Will you contribute just $5 a month to support our journalism?

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.

Others pushed back on the notion that the benchmark for greatness are head-to-head competitions between men and women.

Although, some folks were pretty sure Serena would take no mercy.

Speaking of lesser men, anyone pick up on a similar pattern on who sided with McEnroe?

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.”

In sum: Serena is the GOAT, and don’t you ever forget that.

GOOD DAY, SIR.

Before you go, we hope you’ll consider supporting DAME’s journalism.

Today, just tiny number of corporations and billionaire owners are in control the news we watch and read. That influence shapes our culture and our understanding of the world. But at DAME, we serve as a counterbalance by doing things differently. We’re reader funded, which means our only agenda is to serve our readers. No both sides, no false equivalencies, no billionaire interests. Just our mission to publish the information and reporting that help you navigate the most complex issues we face.

But to keep publishing, stay independent and paywall free for all, we urgently need more support. During our Spring Membership drive, we hope you’ll join the community helping to build a more equitable media landscape with a monthly membership of just $5.00 per month or one-time gift in any amount.

Support Dame Today

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MEDIA
Become a member!