McENROE RANKS SERENA 700th AMONG THE MEN

JOHN McENROE has raised hackles in the women’s game by declaring that Serena Williams would be ranked ‘700 in the world’ on the ATP Tour. The outspoken American (right) was asked by US broadcaster National Public Radio about a line in his new book But

Seriously in which he describes Williams as the best female player ever. McEnroe said he had great respect for Williams, but added: ‘If she played the men’s circuit she’d be like 700 in the world. That doesn’t mean I don’t think she’s an incredible player. I do. The reality of what would happen on a given day is Serena could beat some players, I believe, because she is so incredibly strong mentally. ‘Maybe at some point a women’s 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.’ He is broadly stating the obvious, although his estimation of Williams might be rather on the low side. Having such a formidable serve, it is certainly possible she could beat men in the top 500, but you would not put it much stronger than that.

As Britain’s Heather Watson said, the application of common sense means the question bears little relevance. ‘It’s two different games, men and women,’ she said. ‘There is a reason we don’t compete against each other. It doesn’t really matter where Serena is ranked because she’s incredible for women’s tennis and the game of tennis and she’s accomplished so much. ‘So I think it’s pretty irrelevant asking that question. I don’t really see the point. Men are bigger, stronger, quicker — that’s just how they’re made. It’s just silly.’ Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has confirmed he will have coach Andre Agassi in his corner for Wimbledon, although the pair will have precious little time to work together ahead of the tournament. Agassi is not in Eastbourne to guide 12-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, who is playing in a pre-Wimbledon tournament on grass for the first time since 2010. The American will instead fly to England next

weekend and the news comes after McEnroe questioned Agassi for playing a part-time role with Djokovic. ‘He will be in London for Wimbledon,’ said Djokovic. ‘He will stay as long as I stay in the tournament, so that’s great. ‘For now, we’re going with the flow. Andre has a very busy life. I appreciate all his consideration to work with me, so we don’t have anything formal. We don’t have anything signed. ‘Obviously Roland Garros — the eight or nine days that we spent together were very valuable for me to get to know him, to learn from him. We shared a lot of experiences on and off court.’