"I've had to hear it for the last 25 years that Serena Williams would have beaten me; I don't like that part" - John McEnroe
Former World No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe recently stated that he does not like to hear suggestions that Serena Williams could beat him in a match.
While reviewing tennis scenes in Hollywood movies for GQ Sports, the American first praised the film Battle of the Sexes for its depiction of tennis. He even commented on how the dynamics between men and women have changed since then and how he has grown to understand the women's perspective since becoming a father to four daughters.
"I became a father later, obviously, but I had four girls. So, and two boys. And so from that aspect alone, and I really sort of empathize and related and was happy that as it turned out Billie Jean ended up winning that message," he stated.
He then went on to assert that he wasn't happy about the fact that many people over the last 25 years have proclaimed that Serena Williams could have beaten him.
"Although I've had to hear it for the last 25 years that Serena [Williams] would have beaten me, so [I] don't like that part," said John McEnroe.
He also gave some interesting details about the matchup between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King, which formed the crux of the movie.
"By the way, that Bobby Riggs, who was a big gambler, we knew of his gambling exploits that he we released. We were hoping he threw the match on purpose because really, oh my god, you know, Billie Jean girl, beat Bobby Riggs. People forget that Bobby Riggs had beaten Margaret Court, a few months early, like, six months early in a match," he said.
"So, this was her way to prove, like, I got to do it for all the female tennis players out there. But besides that pretty darn good movie," he added.
John McEnroe unhappy with his portrayal in 'King Richard' movie
John McEnroe also mentioned that he did not like how he was portrayed in the Oscar-winning movie 'King Richard'. The American claimed that he was never the bad guy in the story of Serena and Venus Williams when they were young.
"Hey trot on over, and here's Venus and Serena Williams as little girls. So I was there, I said at the time, 'Alright, let's see what you got.' Obviously, what am I gonna walk away? And not see what they got when they've come over? Come on," he said.
John McEnroe identifies what Serena Williams' legacy will do for tennis: Williamsand#039; story is one of the most inspiring stories in all sports. dlvr.it/SXmJTS
The 63-year-old stated that he was much nicer in real life to the Williams sisters and would have stopped a practice session to watch them play.
"But for some reason, I had to be the bad guy in this and be like, 'Ah, forget it'. I can't handle like stopping practice for 10 minutes.' Are you kidding? I love stopping practice for 10 minutes," he said.