John McEnroe has only one bone to choose with the retiring Serena Williams. He didn’t like the way in which he was portrayed within the 2021 award-winning film about her father, “King Richard.”
In any other case, McEnroe — and Chris Evert — had nothing however platitudes concerning Williams, who will play her remaining match on the U.S. Open, which can start subsequent week, earlier than she retires at age 40.
McEnroe referred to as her “an icon of icons’’ with “the best serve ever, higher than numerous guys.” Evert mentioned she “revolutionized tennis” due to her energy.
About that film, nevertheless, on which Williams was an government producer …
Within the movie, McEnroe was proven blowing off assembly Serena and her sister, Venus, when Serena was 8 years previous.
McEnroe wished to set the report straight throughout a convention name, when he made his first remarks about Williams’ Open farewell.
“It wasn’t precisely completely portrayed within the film, [but it was] a terrific film,’’ McEnroe mentioned. “When she was delivered to the courtroom I used to be training on, I used to be being advised by my then-coach Paul Cohen and Richard Williams that her and Venus have been going to be the 2 finest gamers on the planet. It was like, ‘Name me in 10 years, we’ll see what’s taking place.’ ”
It wasn’t the nicest sentiment, however the film toughened it up.
“I didn’t stroll away in disgust, refuse to see Serena,” McEnroe mentioned. “I used to be there. Noticed them. Why would I stroll away after being advised that I’m going to see two children, 8 and 9, which are going to be future No. 1s? I refuse to see these children for what? As a result of I’m a hothead? Not appropriate.’’
The prediction proved appropriate, nevertheless, and McEnroe spoke glowingly of Williams’ profession, during which she has amassed 23 Grand Slam titles. Barring a miracle in Flushing, she's going to retire one wanting the all-time report, set by Margaret Court docket.
“That every one it's worthwhile to say about Serena is that she’s put herself in that pantheon of GOATs,’’ McEnroe mentioned. “She’s up there with Billie Jean King. You talked about Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady. That’s the place Serena is.’’
Regardless of Williams’ many blowups on the Open, Evert sees her as a spectacular position mannequin.
“She’s been very inspirational off the courtroom.’’ Evert mentioned. “On the courtroom, it’s apparent. Her report, her energy, her psychological toughness. However the intangibles — the fearlessness in her has actually impressed me. The truth that she’s by no means set any limits in tennis or life.
“And he or she actually has spoken her thoughts. We haven’t at all times agreed together with her. However for essentially the most half, I believe the great has positively outweighed the dangerous. She has so many platforms, from physique shaming, to working mothers, to girls of colour, and simply empowering girls.’’
Expectations are low for Williams, who sat out a yr with accidents, returned to lose within the first spherical at Wimbledon, the second spherical in Toronto and first spherical in Cincinnati.
“May very well be first spherical, or she might truly make a run,’’ McEnroe mentioned. “Relies on the gang. Typically whenever you’re not taking part in properly you type of really feel like the gang doesn’t get you’re struggling. It will depend on how she reacts to that if issues aren’t going properly or the way in which she anticipates.”
Williams is unseeded and will face anyone within the first spherical. The draw can be introduced Thursday. The USTA is mulling preserving Williams off the opening-night card to construct suspense.
“It clearly will depend on who she’s taking part in,’’ McEnroe mentioned. “Something might occur. It’s so extensive open. In the intervening time, clearly we all know she will be able to hit photographs but it surely’s going to be how properly can she play some protection, get well and transfer. That’s the half that will get harder as you become old.’’
Evert mentioned Williams is “not taking part in that badly’’ however added, “I believe it’s going to be powerful for her to get into the second week since you simply have extra ups and downs whenever you’re not match powerful.’’
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