John McEnroe accepts the inevitability of Saudi Arabia's growing influence on tennis but the American great fears the country's ambition to host a 10th Masters tournament could add to player and fan fatigue. The outspoken New Yorker has been&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the most vocal critics of Saudi Arabia's big-money push into tennis, describing the potential engagement of the women's tour with the country as "laughable".

According to a source with knowledge of the plans, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is keen to own a tennis event featuring the top players, with multiple reports saying they are eyeing a slot before the Australian Open in January. The tennis season traditionally kicks off after a short break in the last couple of days of December with the warm-ups to the Melbourne Park Grand Slam, meaning players have limited time to rest, recover and work on their game.

"I read recently they're talking about an event before the Australian Open. That's going to open up a whole can of worms. So we'll see what develops," the 65-year-old McEnroe told Reuters in a video call from New York. "I'm not a big believer in having the tennis circuit go year round. We need an off season. Not only for players to recuperate but for fans to recuperate. And this is something we've always had difficulty with. "I think tennis has shot itself in the foot for too long."

SRJ Sports Investments, which was formed by the PIF to accelerate the growth of sports in the Gulf country, declined to comment. Reuters has contacted the PIF for comment. The PIF, which has already invested heavily in sports like golf, soccer,&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;and boxing, has steadily made inroads into men's tennis and replaced Pepperstone&nbsp;as the official naming partner of its world rankings last month.

As part of the multi-year agreement, the sovereign wealth fund will also partner ATP tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing and the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin as well as the Next Gen Finals in Jeddah.

"After what I saw happened in golf, I can't say I'm totally surprised. I think everyone&nbsp;involved in tennis suspected this," McEnroe said of the growing Saudi footprint. "I can't honestly say at this point that I'm a big supporter of this. I don't agree with it."

HUGE FUNDS

Former world number&nbsp;one&nbsp;and seven-times Grand Slam winner McEnroe this week signed as a global ambassador for CFD broker Pepperstone, previously a platinum sponsor of the ATP Tour.

McEnroe said Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly bring huge funds to a new Masters event but questioned if tennis would ultimately benefit from it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-woman-who-accused-christian-horner-of-inappropriate-behaviour-files-official-complaint-to-fia-701071">F1: Woman who accused Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour files official complaint to FIA</a>

"It depends on what people define that as. Is it going to be more money? Yes. Does that mean it's better? Not necessarily. It depends where that money is spent, where it goes," McEnroe said. "But even if it was, I don't think that means it's good automatically for the game because Saudi Arabia has a Masters 1000 event. That doesn't mean anything to me as far as whether it's a net positive or negative. "It harks back to people that have commitment to the game, a love for the game and have a real idea of what the future is."

That will be something the women's tour is considering as it mulls a move for the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia despite push back from McEnroe's contemporaries Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert.

The two greats have argued that the WTA's values sit in stark contrast to Saudi Arabia, which has been accused of using the PIF to "sportswash" its human rights record.

Saudi Arabia denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws. Another women's tennis great, Billie Jean King, believes the WTA will inevitably go to the Middle Eastern nation but thinks the tour can use the relationship to push for social change.

McEnroe, though, remains sceptical. "Someone&nbsp;I've looked up to and think is the most influential human being on the face of the earth over the past 50 years for women's sports has endorsed this idea from what I've read," McEnroe said.

"I love Billie Jean. I'd like to speak to her about why she thinks that's a good thing, because to me it's not. But I'm an outsider looking in ... It's like, 'why in the hell would the WTA play their event there, where there's human rights issues still going on today.

"I've never been there. Apparently things have improved to some level, so it's not like I'm some sort of expert. When I read about it, I completely disagreed with it."

John McEnroe accepts the inevitability of Saudi Arabia's growing influence on tennis but the American great fears the country's ambition to host a 10th Masters tournament could add to player and fan fatigue.

John McEnroe accepts the inevitability of Saudi Arabia's growing influence on tennis but the American great fears the country's ambition to host a 10th Masters tournament could add to player and fan fatigue. The outspoken New Yorker has been one of the most vocal critics of Saudi Arabia's big-money push into tennis, describing the potential engagement of the women's tour with the country as "laughable". According to a source with knowledge of the plans, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is keen to own a tennis event featuring the top players, with multiple reports saying they are eyeing a slot before the Australian Open in January. The tennis season traditionally kicks off after a short break in the last couple of days of December with the warm-ups to the Melbourne Park Grand Slam, meaning players have limited time to rest, recover and work on their game. "I read recently they're talking about an event before the Australian Open. That's going to open up a whole can of worms. So we'll see what develops," the 65-year-old McEnroe told Reuters in a video call from New York. "I'm not a big believer in having the tennis circuit go year round. We need an off season. Not only for players to recuperate but for fans to recuperate. And this is something we've always had difficulty with. "I think tennis has shot itself in the foot for too long." SRJ Sports Investments, which was formed by the PIF to accelerate the growth of sports in the Gulf country, declined to comment. Reuters has contacted the PIF for comment. The PIF, which has already invested heavily in sports like golf, soccer, Formula One and boxing, has steadily made inroads into men's tennis and replaced Pepperstone as the official naming partner of its world rankings last month. As part of the multi-year agreement, the sovereign wealth fund will also partner ATP tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing and the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin as well as the Next Gen Finals in Jeddah. "After what I saw happened in golf, I can't say I'm totally surprised. I think everyone involved in tennis suspected this," McEnroe said of the growing Saudi footprint. "I can't honestly say at this point that I'm a big supporter of this. I don't agree with it." HUGE FUNDS Former world number one and seven-times Grand Slam winner McEnroe this week signed as a global ambassador for CFD broker Pepperstone, previously a platinum sponsor of the ATP Tour. McEnroe said Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly bring huge funds to a new Masters event but questioned if tennis would ultimately benefit from it. Also read: F1: Woman who accused Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour files official complaint to FIA "It depends on what people define that as. Is it going to be more money? Yes. Does that mean it's better? Not necessarily. It depends where that money is spent, where it goes," McEnroe said. "But even if it was, I don't think that means it's good automatically for the game because Saudi Arabia has a Masters 1000 event. That doesn't mean anything to me as far as whether it's a net positive or negative. "It harks back to people that have commitment to the game, a love for the game and have a real idea of what the future is." That will be something the women's tour is considering as it mulls a move for the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia despite push back from McEnroe's contemporaries Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. The two greats have argued that the WTA's values sit in stark contrast to Saudi Arabia, which has been accused of using the PIF to "sportswash" its human rights record. Saudi Arabia denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws. Another women's tennis great, Billie Jean King, believes the WTA will inevitably go to the Middle Eastern nation but thinks the tour can use the relationship to push for social change. McEnroe, though, remains sceptical. "Someone I've looked up to and think is the most influential human being on the face of the earth over the past 50 years for women's sports has endorsed this idea from what I've read," McEnroe said. "I love Billie Jean. I'd like to speak to her about why she thinks that's a good thing, because to me it's not. But I'm an outsider looking in ... It's like, 'why in the hell would the WTA play their event there, where there's human rights issues still going on today. "I've never been there. Apparently things have improved to some level, so it's not like I'm some sort of expert. When I read about it, I completely disagreed with it."

Tennis legend John McEnroe fears Saudi Masters move could lead to year-round season

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe said tennis should not seek Saudi investment and called golf's PGA Tour hypocritical after it reached an agreement with the country's sovereign wealth fund. Earlier in June, the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival LIV circuit, which previously engaged in a bitter fight that divided golf, announced a merger to form a unified commercial entity.

"It looked to me like the PGA were total hypocrites when they cut a deal after they've been fighting them," the three-time Wimbledon champion said to ESPN on Wednesday.

The chairman of tennis's ATP Tour, Andrea Gaudenzi, told the Financial Times last week he has held discussions with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and other potential investors on projects including infrastructure, events and technology investment.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-why-novak-djokovic-is-favourite-to-clinch-wimbledon-2023-609775">EXPLAINED | Why Novak Djokovic is favourite to clinch Wimbledon 2023</a>

Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of using the PIF to engage in "sportwashing" in the face of heavy criticism of the country's human rights record.

The 64-year-old McEnroe added that he was not surprised by Saudi interest in a possible investment in tennis, as the country has been spending heavily in other sports.

<h2>Saudi&nbsp;bidding to host this year's ATP Next Gen Finals</h2>

"What about (Cristiano) Ronaldo? He's being paid a couple hundred million a year. They have been buying players in other sports, brought boxing fights, you name it," he said. "I wouldn't encourage it personally, the Saudi thing. I'm not surprised that tennis is being thrown into the mix after what we saw in golf.

"At the same time the people that are complaining about it, a lot of the people are hypocrites because our government does business with things along with tons of other hedge funds, wealth funds, down the list, people that have dealings."

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley believes any Saudi Arabian investment in tennis would not have the same impact as in golf.

Media reports say the country is bidding to host this year's ATP Next Gen Finals and world number one Carlos Alcaraz said earlier this week he would be open to competing there.

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Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe said tennis should not seek Saudi investment and called golf's PGA Tour hypocritical after it reached an agreement with the country's sovereign wealth fund.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe said tennis should not seek Saudi investment and called golf's PGA Tour hypocritical after it reached an agreement with the country's sovereign wealth fund. Earlier in June, the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival LIV circuit, which previously engaged in a bitter fight that divided golf, announced a merger to form a unified commercial entity. "It looked to me like the PGA were total hypocrites when they cut a deal after they've been fighting them," the three-time Wimbledon champion said to ESPN on Wednesday. The chairman of tennis's ATP Tour, Andrea Gaudenzi, told the Financial Times last week he has held discussions with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and other potential investors on projects including infrastructure, events and technology investment. ALSO READ: EXPLAINED | Why Novak Djokovic is favourite to clinch Wimbledon 2023 Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of using the PIF to engage in "sportwashing" in the face of heavy criticism of the country's human rights record. The 64-year-old McEnroe added that he was not surprised by Saudi interest in a possible investment in tennis, as the country has been spending heavily in other sports. Saudi bidding to host this year's ATP Next Gen Finals "What about (Cristiano) Ronaldo? He's being paid a couple hundred million a year. They have been buying players in other sports, brought boxing fights, you name it," he said. "I wouldn't encourage it personally, the Saudi thing. I'm not surprised that tennis is being thrown into the mix after what we saw in golf. "At the same time the people that are complaining about it, a lot of the people are hypocrites because our government does business with things along with tons of other hedge funds, wealth funds, down the list, people that have dealings." Australian Open chief Craig Tiley believes any Saudi Arabian investment in tennis would not have the same impact as in golf. Media reports say the country is bidding to host this year's ATP Next Gen Finals and world number one Carlos Alcaraz said earlier this week he would be open to competing there. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tennis: 'I wouldn't personally encourage it', veteran John McEnroe slams Saudi merge

All eyes are on the forthcoming French Open 2023 edition, which kicks off on May 28 in Paris, France. With no Rafael Nadal -- who announced his decision to withdraw from the tournament due to a hip injury -- legendary star John McEnroe feels Novak Djokovic has a great chance of lifting the title at the Roland Garros.&nbsp;

It is to be noted that Djokovic has so far&nbsp;won 22 Grand Slam singles titles. Only two of them have come at the French Open, in 2016 and 2021. With no Nadal, his longtime rival, the Serbian will hope to end&nbsp;as the eventual winner, but will be wary of the threat posed by world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, etc.&nbsp;

If Djokovic wins the French Open, he will become&nbsp;the most successful male player with as many as 23 titles (currently, Nadal is tied with the Serbian at 22). In addition, the 36-year-old will inch&nbsp;closer to&nbsp;Margaret Court’s record for most Grand Slams (24), combining men’s and women’s tennis.&nbsp;

Ahead of French Open's commencement, McEnroe was quoted as saying, "He's tied with Rafa, so this is an opening. He's had a tough year and a half in a lot of ways, and he's also done some incredible things. Novak, he's always looking for some inspiration, some fuel, and he's got some now, and he's got a great chance."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-withdraws-from-french-open-2023-with-injury-concerns-out-for-several-months-593766">Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open, expects '2024 to be his last year in tennis'</a>

<h2>Will 2024 be Rafa's last?</h2>

Last week, Nadal addressed a&nbsp;presser where he said, "The evolution of the injury I sustained in Australia has not gone as I would have liked. I have lost goals along the way, and Roland Garros becomes impossible. At this moment, I won't be able to be at Roland Garros. With what that tournament is for me, you can imagine how difficult it is. I have no intention of continuing to play for the next few months."

Further, he made a big claim by saying, "2024 is&nbsp;probably going to be my last year on the professional tour, I can't say this 100 per cent because you never know what's going to happen."

With Nadal (14-time French Open champion) missing the clay-court tournament for the first time since 2005, Djokovic has a great chance to move past him in the Grand Slam tally. Will he be able to triumph over the young troops? Only time will tell...

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All eyes are on the forthcoming French Open 2023 edition, which kicks off on May 28 in Paris, France. With no Rafael Nadal -- who announced his decision to withdraw from the tournament due to a hip injury -- legendary star John McEnroe feels Novak Djokovic has a great chance of lifting the title at the Roland Garros.

All eyes are on the forthcoming French Open 2023 edition, which kicks off on May 28 in Paris, France. With no Rafael Nadal -- who announced his decision to withdraw from the tournament due to a hip injury -- legendary star John McEnroe feels Novak Djokovic has a great chance of lifting the title at the Roland Garros. It is to be noted that Djokovic has so far won 22 Grand Slam singles titles. Only two of them have come at the French Open, in 2016 and 2021. With no Nadal, his longtime rival, the Serbian will hope to end as the eventual winner, but will be wary of the threat posed by world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, etc. If Djokovic wins the French Open, he will become the most successful male player with as many as 23 titles (currently, Nadal is tied with the Serbian at 22). In addition, the 36-year-old will inch closer to Margaret Court’s record for most Grand Slams (24), combining men’s and women’s tennis. Ahead of French Open's commencement, McEnroe was quoted as saying, "He's tied with Rafa, so this is an opening. He's had a tough year and a half in a lot of ways, and he's also done some incredible things. Novak, he's always looking for some inspiration, some fuel, and he's got some now, and he's got a great chance." Also Read: Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open, expects '2024 to be his last year in tennis' Will 2024 be Rafa's last? Last week, Nadal addressed a presser where he said, "The evolution of the injury I sustained in Australia has not gone as I would have liked. I have lost goals along the way, and Roland Garros becomes impossible. At this moment, I won't be able to be at Roland Garros. With what that tournament is for me, you can imagine how difficult it is. I have no intention of continuing to play for the next few months." Further, he made a big claim by saying, "2024 is probably going to be my last year on the professional tour, I can't say this 100 per cent because you never know what's going to happen." With Nadal (14-time French Open champion) missing the clay-court tournament for the first time since 2005, Djokovic has a great chance to move past him in the Grand Slam tally. Will he be able to triumph over the young troops? Only time will tell... WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Tennis: Djokovic has great chance of winning French Open 2023 in Nadal’s absence, feels John McEnroe

Tennis icon John McEnroe recently rallied behind Novak Djokovic, saying that the move to prevent Novak Djokovic from competing in the upcoming US Open due to his COVID-19 vaccination status is a joke. Although Djokovic&nbsp;is on the entry list for the final Grand Slam of the year, his future in the tournament remains shrouded in mystery.

Djokovic has refused to get inoculated against the virus that wreaked havoc across the globe, a decision that may cost him heavily as he runs the risk of missing out on the opportunity to participate at the Flushing Meadows as rules in&nbsp;the United States require travellers to be vaccinated against COVID-19&nbsp;to board flights and enter the country.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-sued-by-fan-for-defamation-after-accusing-her-of-having-700-drinks-at-wimbledon-final-509664" hreflang="en">Nick Kyrgios sued by fan for defamation after accusing her of having '700 drinks' at Wimbledon final</a>

However, it is interesting to note that the Serbian had previously declared that he was prepared to miss Grand Slams that require players to produce proof of their vaccination status. In the wake of these revelations, McEnroe, a four-time US Open winner, offered fans his take on the situation while in conversation with the media:&nbsp;"I don't think it's fair. I think it's a joke. I would have had the vaccine and gone and played but he's got very strong beliefs and you have to respect that. At this point, in the pandemic, we're two-and-a-half years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can't travel here to play, to me is a joke."

McEnroe further argued that repeatedly missing out on Grand Slams would eventually exact a heavy toll on Djokovic's legacy and title tally as his contemporaries continue to compete in tournaments.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-roger-federer-shares-training-footage-hints-at-return-to-court-508936" hreflang="en">WATCH: Roger Federer shares training footage, hints at return to court</a>

Early this year, Djokovic lost the opportunity to compete at the Australian Open and defend his title to lay claim to&nbsp;his&nbsp;21st men's grand slam title, which at the time would have been a record-breaking feat,&nbsp;after he was deported from the country over his vaccination status. However, Rafael Nadal has since&nbsp;moved clear of Djokovic and Roger Federer, accumulating a whopping 22 Grand Slam titles.&nbsp;

Tennis icon John McEnroe recently rallied behind Novak Djokovic, saying that the move to prevent Novak Djokovic from competing in the upcoming US Open due to his COVID-19 vaccination status is a joke.

Tennis icon John McEnroe recently rallied behind Novak Djokovic, saying that the move to prevent Novak Djokovic from competing in the upcoming US Open due to his COVID-19 vaccination status is a joke. Although Djokovic is on the entry list for the final Grand Slam of the year, his future in the tournament remains shrouded in mystery. Djokovic has refused to get inoculated against the virus that wreaked havoc across the globe, a decision that may cost him heavily as he runs the risk of missing out on the opportunity to participate at the Flushing Meadows as rules in the United States require travellers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to board flights and enter the country. ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios sued by fan for defamation after accusing her of having '700 drinks' at Wimbledon final However, it is interesting to note that the Serbian had previously declared that he was prepared to miss Grand Slams that require players to produce proof of their vaccination status. In the wake of these revelations, McEnroe, a four-time US Open winner, offered fans his take on the situation while in conversation with the media: "I don't think it's fair. I think it's a joke. I would have had the vaccine and gone and played but he's got very strong beliefs and you have to respect that. At this point, in the pandemic, we're two-and-a-half years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can't travel here to play, to me is a joke." McEnroe further argued that repeatedly missing out on Grand Slams would eventually exact a heavy toll on Djokovic's legacy and title tally as his contemporaries continue to compete in tournaments. ALSO READ: WATCH: Roger Federer shares training footage, hints at return to court Early this year, Djokovic lost the opportunity to compete at the Australian Open and defend his title to lay claim to his 21st men's grand slam title, which at the time would have been a record-breaking feat, after he was deported from the country over his vaccination status. However, Rafael Nadal has since moved clear of Djokovic and Roger Federer, accumulating a whopping 22 Grand Slam titles.

'It's a joke'- John McEnroe slams authorities for barring Novak Djokovic from competing in US Open 2022

Wimbledon is set to kick off without Roger Federer for the first time in over two decades next week and with the clock ticking down on the Swiss maestro`s career John McEnroe said he was grateful for being able to watch him play the sport for so long. Federer, who turns 41 in August, has undergone three knee operations in the last two years and has not played a competitive match since his quarter-final defeat to Hubert Hurkacz at last year's grasscourt Grand Slam.

He won the Wimbledon junior title in 1998 before turning professional the same year. Since making his debut at the grasscourt Grand Slam in 1999 Federer had not missed a single edition before the 2022 tournament. "Twenty years, you got to look at the bright side," seven-times major winner and ESPN analyst McEnroe told reporters.

"You had a lot of time where you got a chance to watch this guy play and win it numerous times. So, we have to sort of hope that whatever he decides he`s happy with. He`s 40. He`s made it this far. It`s amazing." 
Federer, who has won a record eight men`s titles at the All England Club, said this month that he is "definitely" intending to return to top-level tennis in 2023.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-campaign-comes-to-an-end-at-eastbourne-following-doubles-partner-ons-jabeurs-injury-491032">Serena Williams' campaign comes to an end at Eastbourne following doubles partner Ons Jabeur's injury</a>

The 20-time Grand Slam winner is expected to return to the tour in September when he teams up with Spaniard Rafa Nadal to play doubles at the Laver Cup in London before playing at the Swiss indoors tournament at home in Basel the following month.

"Roger Federer is a living legend. We all know that," McEnroe added during a video conference call on Wednesday. "He`s the epitome of what you would want your kid to be when they grew up. And he`s the most beautiful player I`ve ever watched play. I idolized (Rod) Laver. He`s kind of an updated Laver to me."

Wimbledon is set to kick off without Roger Federer for the first time in over two decades next week and with the clock ticking down on the Swiss maestro`s career John McEnroe said he was grateful for being able to watch him play the sport for so long.

Wimbledon is set to kick off without Roger Federer for the first time in over two decades next week and with the clock ticking down on the Swiss maestro`s career John McEnroe said he was grateful for being able to watch him play the sport for so long. Federer, who turns 41 in August, has undergone three knee operations in the last two years and has not played a competitive match since his quarter-final defeat to Hubert Hurkacz at last year's grasscourt Grand Slam. He won the Wimbledon junior title in 1998 before turning professional the same year. Since making his debut at the grasscourt Grand Slam in 1999 Federer had not missed a single edition before the 2022 tournament. "Twenty years, you got to look at the bright side," seven-times major winner and ESPN analyst McEnroe told reporters. "You had a lot of time where you got a chance to watch this guy play and win it numerous times. So, we have to sort of hope that whatever he decides he`s happy with. He`s 40. He`s made it this far. It`s amazing." Federer, who has won a record eight men`s titles at the All England Club, said this month that he is "definitely" intending to return to top-level tennis in 2023. ALSO READ | Serena Williams' campaign comes to an end at Eastbourne following doubles partner Ons Jabeur's injury The 20-time Grand Slam winner is expected to return to the tour in September when he teams up with Spaniard Rafa Nadal to play doubles at the Laver Cup in London before playing at the Swiss indoors tournament at home in Basel the following month. "Roger Federer is a living legend. We all know that," McEnroe added during a video conference call on Wednesday. "He`s the epitome of what you would want your kid to be when they grew up. And he`s the most beautiful player I`ve ever watched play. I idolized (Rod) Laver. He`s kind of an updated Laver to me."

John McEnroe reacts as Wimbledon 2022 to kickoff without Roger Federer for first time in over two decades

Djokovic's sensational disqualification reminded many of American tennis player John McEnroe's infamous incident during the 1990 Australian Grand Slam.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-top-seed-novak-djokovic-disqualified-from-us-open-after-hitting-judge-with-ball-325614" hreflang="en">Watch: Top-seed Novak Djokovic disqualified from US Open after hitting judge with ball</a>

Tennis legend John McEnroe was a dominating icon in the professional sport during the 1980s. He won three Wimbledon and four US Open titles between 1979 and 1984, against such formidable opponents as Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.&nbsp;

During his illustrious career, the American won 17 Grand Slams including nine in men’s doubles and one in mixed doubles. However, he was known as "Superbrat" because of constant arguments and badmouthing of umpires and linesmen and one such incident led him to disqualification during Australian Open.&nbsp;

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On January 21, 1990, he was playing against Sweden's Mikael Pernfors. McEnroe won the first set easily but Pernfors won the second set. After the players traded service breaks in the third, McEnroe led 2-1. And during the changeover, he stood in front of the lineswoman and glared at her for what he thought made a bad call.&nbsp;

The chair umpire at that time, Gerry Armstrong, &nbsp;gave American ace McEnroe a conduct code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.&nbsp;

However, the things escalated during the seventh game of the fourth set. McEnroe was leading in the match with 6-1, 4-6, 7-5, 2-4. He threw his racket to the ground, where it bounced on the court's hard surface. The chair umpire called another code violation, for racket abuse, and McEnroe started swearing at him. Ken Farrar, the Grand Slam chief of supervisors arrived and spoke with McEnroe, whose continued complaints and swears were audible to spectators and TV viewers. With Farrar’s authorization, Armstrong called a third and final code violation: "Default Mr. McEnroe. Game, set, match."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swap-me-for-jokers-incident-nick-kyrgios-takes-dig-at-djokovic-over-us-open-disqualification-325653" hreflang="en">'Swap me for jokers incident': Nick Kyrgios takes dig at Djokovic over US Open disqualification</a>

McEnroe became the first man since 1963 to get disqualified in Grand Slam for misconduct.&nbsp;

'Apologetic' Djokovic's ball hit the official with a considerable force that she was left gasping and coughing during his match Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta. It made Djokovic one of a handful of players to be defaulted from the men's singles tournament of a Grand Slam since John McEnroe was infamously tossed from the Australian Open in 1990.

Djokovic's sensational disqualification reminded many of American tennis player John McEnroe's infamous incident during the 1990 Australian Grand Slam. Also read: Watch: Top-seed Novak Djokovic disqualified from US Open after hitting judge with ball Tennis legend John McEnroe was a dominating icon in the professional sport during the 1980s.

Djokovic's sensational disqualification reminded many of American tennis player John McEnroe's infamous incident during the 1990 Australian Grand Slam. Also read: Watch: Top-seed Novak Djokovic disqualified from US Open after hitting judge with ball Tennis legend John McEnroe was a dominating icon in the professional sport during the 1980s. He won three Wimbledon and four US Open titles between 1979 and 1984, against such formidable opponents as Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. During his illustrious career, the American won 17 Grand Slams including nine in men’s doubles and one in mixed doubles. However, he was known as "Superbrat" because of constant arguments and badmouthing of umpires and linesmen and one such incident led him to disqualification during Australian Open. × On January 21, 1990, he was playing against Sweden's Mikael Pernfors. McEnroe won the first set easily but Pernfors won the second set. After the players traded service breaks in the third, McEnroe led 2-1. And during the changeover, he stood in front of the lineswoman and glared at her for what he thought made a bad call. The chair umpire at that time, Gerry Armstrong, gave American ace McEnroe a conduct code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the things escalated during the seventh game of the fourth set. McEnroe was leading in the match with 6-1, 4-6, 7-5, 2-4. He threw his racket to the ground, where it bounced on the court's hard surface. The chair umpire called another code violation, for racket abuse, and McEnroe started swearing at him. Ken Farrar, the Grand Slam chief of supervisors arrived and spoke with McEnroe, whose continued complaints and swears were audible to spectators and TV viewers. With Farrar’s authorization, Armstrong called a third and final code violation: "Default Mr. McEnroe. Game, set, match." Also read: 'Swap me for jokers incident': Nick Kyrgios takes dig at Djokovic over US Open disqualification McEnroe became the first man since 1963 to get disqualified in Grand Slam for misconduct. 'Apologetic' Djokovic's ball hit the official with a considerable force that she was left gasping and coughing during his match Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta. It made Djokovic one of a handful of players to be defaulted from the men's singles tournament of a Grand Slam since John McEnroe was infamously tossed from the Australian Open in 1990.

Djokovic's disqualification reminds many of John McEnroe during 1990 Australian Open

Tennis legends Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe&nbsp;protested&nbsp;against all-time great Margaret Court for her homophobic views on court at the Australian Open as authorities swiftly clampdown on the raging controversy. &nbsp;

Martina Navratilova hijacked a vacant umpire's chair to use the mic for addressing a small crowd, however,&nbsp;her microphone was cut off in between after she started speaking. After that, both John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova unfurled a banner which read 'Evonne Goolagong Arena'.

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Looks like <a href="https://twitter.com/Martina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Martina</a> got up onto the umpire's chair at the end of her match today to make a speech. Unfortunately the stream on Eurosport cuts off just after the first words. <a href="https://t.co/p4eI9krT1F">pic.twitter.com/p4eI9krT1F</a>
— Lee (@yelnats_eel) <a href="https://twitter.com/yelnats_eel/status/1222003617634422785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The duo&nbsp;called for changing the name of the Australian Open's second show court named after&nbsp;Margaret Court and demanded&nbsp;the stadium be renamed "Evonne Goolagong Arena".&nbsp;

Evonne Goolagong is an Australian Aboriginal tennis player, she is a seven-time Grand Slam champion.&nbsp;

McEnroe and&nbsp;Navratilova allege Margaret Court has shown constant opposition towards same-sex marriage.&nbsp;

Navratilova who is openly gay, and has campaigned for gay rights&nbsp;has been a constant critic of Margaret Court for her thoughts on the&nbsp;subject.

The Grand Slam organisers (Tennis Australia) have condemned Navratilova and McEnroe for the protests, terming it a "breach of&nbsp;protocol".&nbsp;

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Navratilova had finished contesting a legends' match and then climbed into the umpire's chair to address the crowd "I've been speaking out about an issue for a while now and John McEnroe is here to join me and push the conversation forward," she said, before the TV feed was cut.
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) <a href="https://twitter.com/stu_fraser/status/1222092995014643712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We embrace diversity, inclusion and the right for people to have a view, as well as their right to voice that view, but the Australian Open has regulations and protocols with respect to how any fan, player or guest can use our facility, the event and the global stage it provides. This is to ensure the integrity of our event," Tennis Australia said.

"Two high-profile guests have breached these protocols and we are working through this with them," it&nbsp;added.

In a low-key ceremony just before Rafael Nadal and Nick Kygios' clash, Court was honoured at Rod Laver Arena on Monday&nbsp;as the day marked 50th anniversary of&nbsp;her 1970 Grand Slam victory.&nbsp;

The netizens took to Twitter to support Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe's protest.

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Savages! <a href="https://t.co/BDTr1k7dwZ">pic.twitter.com/BDTr1k7dwZ</a>
— Shomeo (@SassBaller) <a href="https://twitter.com/SassBaller/status/1221969024550084608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Well done John McEnroe. 
Well done Martina Navratilova. 
🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈 
Homophobia must be called out every time, no excuses!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RightWhack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RightWhack</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://t.co/9zPPlW2ARh">https://t.co/9zPPlW2ARh</a>
— Shaun Reardon (@reardon_shaun) <a href="https://twitter.com/reardon_shaun/status/1222106035827068928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Tennis legends Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe protested against all-time great Margaret Court for her homophobic views on court at the Australian Open as authorities swiftly clampdown on the raging controversy.

Tennis legends Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe protested against all-time great Margaret Court for her homophobic views on court at the Australian Open as authorities swiftly clampdown on the raging controversy. Martina Navratilova hijacked a vacant umpire's chair to use the mic for addressing a small crowd, however, her microphone was cut off in between after she started speaking. After that, both John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova unfurled a banner which read 'Evonne Goolagong Arena'. Looks like @Martina got up onto the umpire's chair at the end of her match today to make a speech. Unfortunately the stream on Eurosport cuts off just after the first words. pic.twitter.com/p4eI9krT1F — Lee (@yelnats_eel) January 28, 2020 × The duo called for changing the name of the Australian Open's second show court named after Margaret Court and demanded the stadium be renamed "Evonne Goolagong Arena". Evonne Goolagong is an Australian Aboriginal tennis player, she is a seven-time Grand Slam champion. McEnroe and Navratilova allege Margaret Court has shown constant opposition towards same-sex marriage. Navratilova who is openly gay, and has campaigned for gay rights has been a constant critic of Margaret Court for her thoughts on the subject. The Grand Slam organisers (Tennis Australia) have condemned Navratilova and McEnroe for the protests, terming it a "breach of protocol". Navratilova had finished contesting a legends' match and then climbed into the umpire's chair to address the crowd "I've been speaking out about an issue for a while now and John McEnroe is here to join me and push the conversation forward," she said, before the TV feed was cut. — Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) January 28, 2020 × "We embrace diversity, inclusion and the right for people to have a view, as well as their right to voice that view, but the Australian Open has regulations and protocols with respect to how any fan, player or guest can use our facility, the event and the global stage it provides. This is to ensure the integrity of our event," Tennis Australia said. "Two high-profile guests have breached these protocols and we are working through this with them," it added. In a low-key ceremony just before Rafael Nadal and Nick Kygios' clash, Court was honoured at Rod Laver Arena on Monday as the day marked 50th anniversary of her 1970 Grand Slam victory. The netizens took to Twitter to support Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe's protest. Savages! pic.twitter.com/BDTr1k7dwZ — Shomeo (@SassBaller) January 28, 2020 × Well done John McEnroe. Well done Martina Navratilova. 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈 Homophobia must be called out every time, no excuses!#RightWhack#AusOpen #auspol https://t.co/9zPPlW2ARh — Shaun Reardon (@reardon_shaun) January 28, 2020 ×

Navratilova, McEnroe row with Margaret Court heats up at Australian Open

When Novak Djokovic stood with a hand on hip midway through the second-set tiebreak, glaring down at young Polish upstart Hubert Hurkacz, he could scarcely believe the drama unfolding before his eyes in his third-round Wimbledon showdown on Friday.

The world number one was caught up by hurricane Hurkacz as he came off second best in all the razzle-dazzle shots the 22-year-old could throw at him and he was also banned from wearing his baseball cap by the umpire as it fell foul of Wimbledon's all-white rules.

However, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-novak-djokovic-sweeps-through-under-keen-gaze-of-ivanisevic-232118&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwib7ovX05_jAhUX3o8KHWcPDYoQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3dxM2SsmoLG8cdNSxORtkg">Djokovic </a>is not known as Mr Consistency for nothing and he survived all the hullabaloo to reach the last 16 for the 12th time at the grasscourt major with a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4 win.

"For the opposition, he is sickeningly consistent," summed up American great John McEnroe.

"He isn't flashy, he doesn't play with the same intensity point in point out as (Rafa) Nadal does, his shots are not as beautiful as (Roger) Federer's - but rock-solid is an understatement. He is so efficient," McEnroe said.

That efficiency has earned Djokovic 74 titles, including 15 majors, and more than $130 million in prize money.

Hurkacz, on the other hand, can only dream of such riches or records as his trophy cabinet lies empty while his bank balance would be considered loose change in Djokovic's pocket.

Playing the Serbian for the second time at a major in five weeks, the world number 48 was expected to roll over in straight sets, just as he had done at Roland Garros.

But when the top seed was told by umpire Carlos Bernardes to remove his baseball cap midway through the first set, for a while it looked like he had been shorn of his super-powers as he missed three break points in the sixth game.

"The last match on Centre Court, I played with the hat. The same hat I took out now, I was not able to play with it," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-defending-champion-novak-djokovic-eases-into-third-round-232930&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwib7ovX05_jAhUX3o8KHWcPDYoQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-89AoIJ7KeDX8dxT3JQM2">Djokovic</a>, the only top-10 seed left in the top half of the draw, said with a shrug.

AUDACIOUS SHOTS

The four-times champion eventually broke for a 6-5 lead but not before Hurkacz had offered a glimpse of what was to come in the second set as he acrobatically fell to his stomach and his racket went flying while chasing down a Djokovic drop shot.

Hurkacz raised his fist to the roaring Court One crowd when he gave Djokovic the run-around during a delightful, 29-shot exchange that culminated with a sliced forehand winner in the third game of the second.

The hollering fans were on their feet again when he earned a set point at 6-5 up on Djokovic's serve with a brilliant diving winner that would have made <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-becker-auctions-trophies-to-pay-off-debts-229944&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6w_n_05_jAhVinI8KHZj9DbwQFjABegQIEBAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Y6wVinTytae78kZ-VbYP3">Boris Becker</a> proud.

The crowd groaned when he fluffed the next point but the thrills kept on coming in the tiebreak as he finished off a 30-stroke rally by punching away a volley as he fell into the splits.

Djokovic simply could not believe the audacious shots that kept flying his way and he would have been even less pleased when Hurkacz levelled the match on this third set point with a blazing crosscourt winner.

But, as the Pole found out to his dismay in double quick time, winning even one set against one of tennis's Big Three sucks up an enormous amount of energy.

To win three is nigh on impossible during the first week of a major and so it proved. Hurkacz's challenge fizzled out in the next two sets as he discovered that while the heart was willing, the tiring legs could not keep up.

"Djokovic sets the bar so high. You have to play the match of your life just to stay in it. Hurkacz played exceptionally well, he just didn't have enough in the tank," added McEnroe.

After dropping his first set at this year's championships, the Serb will be looking to do better when he meets France's Ugo Humbert on Monday.

When Novak Djokovic stood with a hand on hip midway through the second-set tiebreak, glaring down at young Polish upstart Hubert Hurkacz, he could scarcely believe the drama unfolding before his eyes in his third-round Wimbledon showdown on Friday.

When Novak Djokovic stood with a hand on hip midway through the second-set tiebreak, glaring down at young Polish upstart Hubert Hurkacz, he could scarcely believe the drama unfolding before his eyes in his third-round Wimbledon showdown on Friday. The world number one was caught up by hurricane Hurkacz as he came off second best in all the razzle-dazzle shots the 22-year-old could throw at him and he was also banned from wearing his baseball cap by the umpire as it fell foul of Wimbledon's all-white rules. However, Djokovic is not known as Mr Consistency for nothing and he survived all the hullabaloo to reach the last 16 for the 12th time at the grasscourt major with a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4 win. "For the opposition, he is sickeningly consistent," summed up American great John McEnroe. "He isn't flashy, he doesn't play with the same intensity point in point out as (Rafa) Nadal does, his shots are not as beautiful as (Roger) Federer's - but rock-solid is an understatement. He is so efficient," McEnroe said. That efficiency has earned Djokovic 74 titles, including 15 majors, and more than $130 million in prize money. Hurkacz, on the other hand, can only dream of such riches or records as his trophy cabinet lies empty while his bank balance would be considered loose change in Djokovic's pocket. Playing the Serbian for the second time at a major in five weeks, the world number 48 was expected to roll over in straight sets, just as he had done at Roland Garros. But when the top seed was told by umpire Carlos Bernardes to remove his baseball cap midway through the first set, for a while it looked like he had been shorn of his super-powers as he missed three break points in the sixth game. "The last match on Centre Court, I played with the hat. The same hat I took out now, I was not able to play with it," Djokovic, the only top-10 seed left in the top half of the draw, said with a shrug. AUDACIOUS SHOTS The four-times champion eventually broke for a 6-5 lead but not before Hurkacz had offered a glimpse of what was to come in the second set as he acrobatically fell to his stomach and his racket went flying while chasing down a Djokovic drop shot. Hurkacz raised his fist to the roaring Court One crowd when he gave Djokovic the run-around during a delightful, 29-shot exchange that culminated with a sliced forehand winner in the third game of the second. The hollering fans were on their feet again when he earned a set point at 6-5 up on Djokovic's serve with a brilliant diving winner that would have made Boris Becker proud. The crowd groaned when he fluffed the next point but the thrills kept on coming in the tiebreak as he finished off a 30-stroke rally by punching away a volley as he fell into the splits. Djokovic simply could not believe the audacious shots that kept flying his way and he would have been even less pleased when Hurkacz levelled the match on this third set point with a blazing crosscourt winner. But, as the Pole found out to his dismay in double quick time, winning even one set against one of tennis's Big Three sucks up an enormous amount of energy. To win three is nigh on impossible during the first week of a major and so it proved. Hurkacz's challenge fizzled out in the next two sets as he discovered that while the heart was willing, the tiring legs could not keep up. "Djokovic sets the bar so high. You have to play the match of your life just to stay in it. Hurkacz played exceptionally well, he just didn't have enough in the tank," added McEnroe. After dropping his first set at this year's championships, the Serb will be looking to do better when he meets France's Ugo Humbert on Monday.

Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic survives hurricane Hurkacz to reach last 16

Serena Williams will bring her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to Wimbledon next week where she will try to shake off a nagging knee injury and show the tennis world that her window of opportunity is still open.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williamss-pursuit-of-24th-major-title-on-hold-after-french-open-exit-223516">Williams </a>has been stuck on 23 Grand Slam titles, one behind the all-time record held by Margaret Court, for over two years and has shown little evidence of late that she will be able to snap that drought at the All England Club.

"As long as she's playing, she's going to be a threat to win anything,"&nbsp;former world number one John McEnroe told a conference call.

"But it's just now there's more things that can go wrong, I suppose, like more days where she might not have it and other days where players won't give in as easily. So that just makes it more difficult,"&nbsp;McEnroe said.

The 37-year-old American's time on court has been limited to a handful of matches since the Australian Open in January due in part to a knee injury that kept her from competing in a tune-up event ahead of Wimbledon, where action begins on July 1.

After losing in the third round at the French Open, Williams did not exactly sound her confident self when asked if she would have enough time to get in optimal shape for Wimbledon, where she is a seven-times winner.

"I hope so. I'm still working on it and working on getting there. So I think it will be, I think it be enough time. We'll see, but I definitely hope so," said Williams.

When Williams was at the peak of her career, she was so far above the competition that she could barrel her way through a Grand Slam draw even if she was having an off day.

But the combination of injury, a limited playing schedule and an increased standard of women's tennis over the past few years have left many to question whether she can again triumph in one of tennis' blue riband events.

TWO STEPS SLOWER

Williams won the most recent of her Grand Slam titles at the 2017 Australian Open when she was in the early stages of her pregnancy, which led to her taking a year off from competition.

She came <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-2018-3-major-appearances-2-grand-slam-finals-and-an-infamous-controversy-185799&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq1I7ulInjAhXaknAKHVjmBcoQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1iQSXWVZXGlW1enWH2gUCE">back with a bang in 2018</a> and despite not playing at her best managed to reach the final at both Wimbledon and the US&nbsp;Open.

"It's hard for me to bet against Serena. Look what happened last year: Two finals in Grand Slams," said 18-times Grand Slam champion Chris Evert.

"The one difference that I see in Serena is since she's come back, she's been one or two steps slower than normal. I think that's a little bit of fitness. I think it's a little bit of match play. I think it's a little bit of confidence,"&nbsp;Evert said.

Healthy legs are key to any player's game but perhaps even more vital for someone like <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-says-thiem-right-to-fume-over-serena-williams-press-conference-row-223698&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq1I7ulInjAhXaknAKHVjmBcoQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ALgZq_sAxw7aSNvXqPi17">Williams </a>who relies heavily on her physicality and court coverage to set up big shots.

Williams has been unable to deliver her trademark big serves on a consistent basis of late but will likely take comfort in the friendly confines of the All England Club given she is most effective on grass.

But unlike in her prime, Williams' rivals know she is not the same player she once was and do not walk onto the court nearly as intimated as they once were when facing one of the game's all-time greats.

"There's so many things that may be going against Serena, and she thrives on that, and she loves that, and that's when she comes through," said Evert.

"I would have said in January, if there was any Grand Slam she was going to win, it would probably be Wimbledon ... and if her serve is on, she's going to be tough to beat," added&nbsp;Evert.

Serena Williams will bring her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to Wimbledon next week where she will try to shake off a nagging knee injury and show the tennis world that her window of opportunity is still open.

Serena Williams will bring her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to Wimbledon next week where she will try to shake off a nagging knee injury and show the tennis world that her window of opportunity is still open. Williams has been stuck on 23 Grand Slam titles, one behind the all-time record held by Margaret Court, for over two years and has shown little evidence of late that she will be able to snap that drought at the All England Club. "As long as she's playing, she's going to be a threat to win anything," former world number one John McEnroe told a conference call. "But it's just now there's more things that can go wrong, I suppose, like more days where she might not have it and other days where players won't give in as easily. So that just makes it more difficult," McEnroe said. The 37-year-old American's time on court has been limited to a handful of matches since the Australian Open in January due in part to a knee injury that kept her from competing in a tune-up event ahead of Wimbledon, where action begins on July 1. After losing in the third round at the French Open, Williams did not exactly sound her confident self when asked if she would have enough time to get in optimal shape for Wimbledon, where she is a seven-times winner. "I hope so. I'm still working on it and working on getting there. So I think it will be, I think it be enough time. We'll see, but I definitely hope so," said Williams. When Williams was at the peak of her career, she was so far above the competition that she could barrel her way through a Grand Slam draw even if she was having an off day. But the combination of injury, a limited playing schedule and an increased standard of women's tennis over the past few years have left many to question whether she can again triumph in one of tennis' blue riband events. TWO STEPS SLOWER Williams won the most recent of her Grand Slam titles at the 2017 Australian Open when she was in the early stages of her pregnancy, which led to her taking a year off from competition. She came back with a bang in 2018 and despite not playing at her best managed to reach the final at both Wimbledon and the US Open. "It's hard for me to bet against Serena. Look what happened last year: Two finals in Grand Slams," said 18-times Grand Slam champion Chris Evert. "The one difference that I see in Serena is since she's come back, she's been one or two steps slower than normal. I think that's a little bit of fitness. I think it's a little bit of match play. I think it's a little bit of confidence," Evert said. Healthy legs are key to any player's game but perhaps even more vital for someone like Williams who relies heavily on her physicality and court coverage to set up big shots. Williams has been unable to deliver her trademark big serves on a consistent basis of late but will likely take comfort in the friendly confines of the All England Club given she is most effective on grass. But unlike in her prime, Williams' rivals know she is not the same player she once was and do not walk onto the court nearly as intimated as they once were when facing one of the game's all-time greats. "There's so many things that may be going against Serena, and she thrives on that, and she loves that, and that's when she comes through," said Evert. "I would have said in January, if there was any Grand Slam she was going to win, it would probably be Wimbledon ... and if her serve is on, she's going to be tough to beat," added Evert.

Serena Williams hopes to end two-year grand slam drought at Wimbledon

The International Tennis Federation(ITF) today banned Romanian former world No -1 tennis player Ilie Nastase over derogatory comments about Serena Williams and his&nbsp;Federation Cup tirade.

The 71-year-old former tennis player was thrown out of the Federation Cup tie in Bucharest against Britain in April after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-the-bad-boys-of-tennis-345">he was overheard making derogatory remarks about US superstar Serena Williams&#39;s pregnancy</a>.

&quot;Let&#39;s see what colour it (the baby) has. Chocolate with milk?,&quot; he said in Romanian. The went on to berate a British woman reporter who reported the incident, describing her as &quot;stupid&quot; and &quot;ugly&quot;.

He also asked British captain Anne Keothavong for her hotel room number.

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The ITF Internal Adjudication Panel has issued its decision in the case against Ilie Nastase <a href="https://t.co/UDZ25ZnWDe">https://t.co/UDZ25ZnWDe</a> <a href="https://t.co/quqAkUggVm">pic.twitter.com/quqAkUggVm</a>
&mdash; ITF (@ITF_Tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ITF_Tennis/status/888367982178689025">July 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The tennis federation banned Nastase from all ITF competitions until December 2020 and fined $10,000.

The ITF in a statement described Nastase&#39;s comment about Williams as &quot;highly inappropriate and racially insensitive&quot;.

It reported how &quot;Mr Nastase made advances of a sexual nature towards Anne Keothavong, the Captain of the Great Britain team&quot;.

The statement added that the disgraced Fed Cup skipper had &quot;refused to leave the court and deliberately interfered with the opposing team&quot;.

Nastase and the Romanian Tennis Federation have 21 days to appeal.

The tennis federation banned Nastase from all ITF competitions until December 2020 and fined $10,000.

The International Tennis Federation(ITF) today banned Romanian former world No -1 tennis player Ilie Nastase over derogatory comments about Serena Williams and his Federation Cup tirade. The 71-year-old former tennis player was thrown out of the Federation Cup tie in Bucharest against Britain in April after he was overheard making derogatory remarks about US superstar Serena Williams's pregnancy. "Let's see what colour it (the baby) has. Chocolate with milk?," he said in Romanian. The went on to berate a British woman reporter who reported the incident, describing her as "stupid" and "ugly". He also asked British captain Anne Keothavong for her hotel room number. The ITF Internal Adjudication Panel has issued its decision in the case against Ilie Nastase https://t.co/UDZ25ZnWDe pic.twitter.com/quqAkUggVm — ITF (@ITF_Tennis) July 21, 2017 × The tennis federation banned Nastase from all ITF competitions until December 2020 and fined $10,000. The ITF in a statement described Nastase's comment about Williams as "highly inappropriate and racially insensitive". It reported how "Mr Nastase made advances of a sexual nature towards Anne Keothavong, the Captain of the Great Britain team". The statement added that the disgraced Fed Cup skipper had "refused to leave the court and deliberately interfered with the opposing team". Nastase and the Romanian Tennis Federation have 21 days to appeal.

ITF bans Nastase over Williams' racial remark, Fed Cup tirade

The off-court match going on between John McEnroe and Serena Williams doesn&#39;t seem to end as the tennis legend has refused to apologise for his comments about the 23-time grand slam champion and believes men should play against women to settle the argument.

McEnroe had claimed that Serena, who is the best player of her gender, would be ranked 700 if she plays on the men&#39;s circuit.

Following which the Serena had said that McEnroe should respect her and her privacy and should abstain from making comments that are &quot;not factually based&quot;.

&quot;I felt the need, however, unfortunately, to defend myself and say what I really felt, which is about what I think she would be,&quot; The Sydney Morning Herald quoted McEnroe as saying.

&quot;I&#39;ve got a solution. Solve the problem, and I&#39;m sure the men would be all for this - the men and women play together. And then we don&#39;t have to guess.&quot;

When asked if he would like to apologise for his comments, the tennis legend said was emphatic in his response.

&quot;No. I didn&#39;t know it would create controversy. I&#39;ve said this 1000 times. I don&#39;t want anything to go wrong with Serena because she&#39;s pregnant. I don&#39;t want to upset her,&quot; he said.

&quot;I think she&#39;s doing it tongue in cheek as well and I think deep down we&#39;re talking about something... I can&#39;t even believe we&#39;re talking about it,&quot; he added.

McEnroe, seven-time major champion, speaking as part of a tour to promote his new book &#39;But Seriously&#39;, had said that while he has great respect for Serena, he would place the 23-time Grand Slam winner &quot;like 700 in the world&quot; on the men&#39;s circuit.

&quot;Best female player ever - no question.&quot;

&quot;If she had to just play the circuit - the men&#39;s circuit - that would be an entirely different story,&quot; he added.

However, Williams on Monday hit back at McEnroe and wrote on Twitter, &quot;Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.&quot;

&quot;I&#39;ve never played anyone ranked &#39;there&#39; nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I&#39;m trying to have a baby. Good day sir,&quot; she added.

The American has already made it clear she is determined to return to the tour next year, with Margaret Court&#39;s all-time record of 24 slam singles titles an obvious goal.

In April, she had announced that she was pregnant and would not compete for the remainder of the season.

Serena became the oldest woman to win a grand slam when he won the 2015 Wimbledon title at the age of 33.

The 35-year-old tennis star has 23 grand slam singles crowns and 14 doubles titles in majors.&nbsp;

McEnroe had claimed that Serena, who is the best player of her gender, would be ranked 700 if she plays on the men's circuit

The off-court match going on between John McEnroe and Serena Williams doesn't seem to end as the tennis legend has refused to apologise for his comments about the 23-time grand slam champion and believes men should play against women to settle the argument. McEnroe had claimed that Serena, who is the best player of her gender, would be ranked 700 if she plays on the men's circuit. Following which the Serena had said that McEnroe should respect her and her privacy and should abstain from making comments that are "not factually based". "I felt the need, however, unfortunately, to defend myself and say what I really felt, which is about what I think she would be," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted McEnroe as saying. "I've got a solution. Solve the problem, and I'm sure the men would be all for this - the men and women play together. And then we don't have to guess." When asked if he would like to apologise for his comments, the tennis legend said was emphatic in his response. "No. I didn't know it would create controversy. I've said this 1000 times. I don't want anything to go wrong with Serena because she's pregnant. I don't want to upset her," he said. "I think she's doing it tongue in cheek as well and I think deep down we're talking about something... I can't even believe we're talking about it," he added. McEnroe, seven-time major champion, speaking as part of a tour to promote his new book 'But Seriously', had said that while he has great respect for Serena, he would place the 23-time Grand Slam winner "like 700 in the world" on the men's circuit. "Best female player ever - no question." "If she had to just play the circuit - the men's circuit - that would be an entirely different story," he added. However, Williams on Monday hit back at McEnroe and wrote on Twitter, "Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based." "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," she added. The American has already made it clear she is determined to return to the tour next year, with Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 slam singles titles an obvious goal. In April, she had announced that she was pregnant and would not compete for the remainder of the season. Serena became the oldest woman to win a grand slam when he won the 2015 Wimbledon title at the age of 33. The 35-year-old tennis star has 23 grand slam singles crowns and 14 doubles titles in majors.

John McEnroe refuses to apologise to Serena Williams

Former US tennis player John McEnroe and multiple grand slam champion Serena Williams were engaged in a war of words after McEnroe in an interview with National Public Radio on Sunday said Serena Williams would be ranked &quot;like 700 in the world&quot; if she had to play on the men&#39;s circuit.

Former world No-1 Serena Williams responded on Twitter at McEnroe&#39;s jibe, saying,&quot;I&#39;ve never played anyone ranked &#39;there&#39; nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I&#39;m trying to have a baby.&quot;

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.
&mdash; Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/879466071404810241">June 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I&#39;ve never played anyone ranked &quot;there&quot; nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I&#39;m trying to have a baby. Good day sir
&mdash; Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/879466221112094720">June 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

During the interview, McEnroe said, &quot;That doesn&#39;t mean I don&#39;t think Serena is an incredible player. I do.&quot;

However, he was quick to add that &quot;on a given day, Serena could beat some players... But if she had to just play the circuit -- the men&#39;s circuit -- that would be an entirely different story.&quot;

&nbsp;

John McEnroe in an interview with National Public Radio said Serena Williams would be ranked 'like 700 in the world' if she had to play on the men's circuit.

Former US tennis player John McEnroe and multiple grand slam champion Serena Williams were engaged in a war of words after McEnroe in an interview with National Public Radio on Sunday said Serena Williams would be ranked "like 700 in the world" if she had to play on the men's circuit. Former world No-1 Serena Williams responded on Twitter at McEnroe's jibe, saying,"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." 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 × 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 × During the interview, McEnroe said, "That doesn't mean I don't think Serena is an incredible player. I do." However, he was quick to add that "on a given day, Serena could beat some players... But if she had to just play the circuit -- the men's circuit -- that would be an entirely different story."

McEnroe ranks Williams '700 in the world' in men's circuit, 'respect me' says Williams

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