Serena Williams had the classiest clapback to John McEnroe’s sexist comments about her tennis abilities
We know her as the reigning queen of the tennis court, but Serena Williams is also a pro at defending herself without a ball and a racket. The latest example of her skill comes in the form of the classy clapback Williams served to John McEnroe, who made completely sexist comments about the tennis abilities of the same woman who won the Australian Open while pregnant.
During an interview with NPR on Sunday, McEnroe said Williams would be ranked “like 700” if she were to compete in a men’s tour. Why he felt the need to try and diminish her accomplishments by hypothetically pitting her against male competitors is beyond us, but one thing’s clear: Williams isn’t having it and said as much when she took to Twitter to respond to McEnroe’s sexist commentary on Monday evening.
Getting straight to the point, the 35-year-old expectant mother addressed McEnroe by tweeting, “Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.”
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
She continued by letting McEnroe know that she has zero effs to give in regards to his imaginary ranking.
"I've never played anyone ranked 'there' nor do I have time," she added. "Respect me and my privacy as I'm trying to have a baby. Good day sir."
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
Yes, Serena. We are absolutely loving the manner in which she delivered her swift dismissal.
Sadly, Williams has more than enough experience in this area. Previously, she had an equally classy comeback for a tennis official’s sexism, and we’ll never forget her response to a reporter who asked why she wasn’t smiling during a press conference.
While her latest brush with sexism is extremely disappointing, we’re relieved that Williams continues to maintain her composure in a sport that still has trouble accepting the fact that a woman can be champ.
