John McEnroe reveals his all-time four for women’s tennis — One choice stuns fans

The American continued: “My third is Billie Jean King. Because I think single-handedly out of the last 100 years she’s done more for women’s sports than any person on this planet.

“And also she’s an incredible tennis player. And in addition to that also what went on with Riggs [Battle Of The Sexes].” Just her combination between her talent and also drive to make women treated equally.

The former world number one then completed his list by adding: “Martina Navratilova would be my fourth pick. Not only because she was a fellow lefty but because she was an incredible player.

“I believe the same amount of singles majors as Chrissie Evert. They played 80 times, which is unheard of. I believe that Martina had an edge, 43-37.

“I chose her because, even though I love Chrissie, Martina when she came into the sport, she had to defect and leave at like 16/18 years old, leave her family and suddenly she’s on her own.

“In addition to that, which is tough enough and to try to be the best player in the world, to play the Chris Everts of the world, she lost all her sponsorships because she came out and said she was gay.

“So she lost all that, but she continued to forge ahead. Lost all her sponsorships and everything, and people looking at her, that to me is extremely difficult to do.”

McEnroe sees a path for Sabalenka to join the greatest in 10 years

McEnroe was also asked about the current generation of WTA players, which includes Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula.

When asked if any of today’s players could make his list a decade from now, McEnroe didn’t hesitate: “Yeah. I would say that there’s certainly an argument if Sabalenka keeps moving along at the pace she has the last couple years.

“And also Rybakina to me has got the best serve I’ve ever seen other than Serena.”

It’s a view that holds weight. Sabalenka currently sits atop the world rankings, while Rybakina has been widely recognised as one of the top servers in women’s tennis.

Read more:

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