"Maybe a women's tennis player can be better than anybody, I just haven't seen it" - When John McEnroe opened up about 'figuring out' being a feminist
John McEnroe once opened up about figuring out how to be a feminist in response to his controversial comments about the difference between male and female athletes. The American disclosed that his journey was influenced by raising four daughters.
In a 2017 interview with NPR, McEnroe courted controversy by refusing to call Serena Williams the best overall tennis player, arguing that she would be ranked as the World No. 700 in men's tennis.
The former World No. 1's remarks prompted a discussion about the 1973 'Battle of the Sexes' clash between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. King claimed a 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 victory, with nearly 30,500 people in attendance at the Houston Astrodome and 90 million tuning in worldwide.
Although John McEnroe acknowledged King's achievement as "great," he suggested that it was an exception. The American also revealed that his daughter had called him a feminist, admitting he was still attempting to "figure out" the label.
"Yeah, it was no question. I think there was the most, the biggest attendance at the Houston Astrodome, and it was great that Billie Jean did that but...OK, but that doesn't mean, talk about other sports. If you go look at the times, for example, of the world's fastest females — and you know maybe it will change!" John McEnroe said.
"You know my daughter, one the things she says is 'You're a feminist, Dad.' OK. I started with two boys, I got four girls now and I'm all for it and I'm trying to just get with it and figure it out," he added.
On being asked whether he considered himself a feminist, McEnroe asserted that a woman's player could eventually surpass the men, but argued that he hadn't seen it in tennis or any other sport. Nevertheless, he conceded that "anything's possible" in the future.
"Maybe at some point a women's tennis player can be better than anybody. I just haven't seen it in any other sport, and I haven't seen it in tennis. I suppose anything's possible at some stage," he said.
John McEnroe 'proud' to be a feminist: "Thanks to my daughters, I now realize how important it is for young girls to have the same opportunities"
In his autobiography 'But Seriously,' John McEnroe credited his daughters for helping him realize the importance of equal opportunities for young girls in sports. He also proudly declared himself a feminist.
"Thanks to my daughters in large part, I now realize how important it is for young girls to have the same opportunities as boys to take part in physical activity. I am proud to be a feminist," McEnroe said.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion has three biological daughters and one stepdaughter, as well as two sons. The American shares three children - Kevin, Sean and Emily - with his ex-wife, actress Tatum O’Neal.
John McEnroe has two daughters, Anna and Ava, with his wife, singer Patty Smyth. He's also a stepfather to Ruby, Smyth's daughter from her previous marriage to musician Richard Hell.