Serena Williams news: John McEnroe compares tennis icon to sporting great
John McEnroe has been talking about Serena Williams ahead of her return to tennis tomorrow at the Eastbourne International, to warm-up for Wimbledon.
The BBC commentator has compared the 23 time Grand Slam champion to basketball star Michael Jordan, as many believe this may be Williams’ last outing as she tries to claim her 24th major title.
This could potentially be the 40-year-old’s last bid for a Grand Slam, after she was awarded a wildcard for the grass tournament that she limped out of last year after the first round due to an ankle injury.
“Serena’s obviously been trying to get that one to tie Margaret Court and win that first one since she had a kid. But she seems to have become, I believe it’s all around the world, but certainly in America, she’s up there with like Michael Jordan and the all time great athletes icons,” McEnroe said.
“I haven’t seen her – no one has seen anyone really, and so now we’re finally getting to Wimbledon.
“Last year the fans were like, this is amazing. And then to see what happened last year, you hate to see someone like Serena go out like that.”
The last time Williams won a Grand Slam title was back in 2017 at the Australian Open when she was pregnant but hasn’t had any luck since.
She’s partnered up with Tunisian player Ons Jabeur for the doubles competition at Eastbourne to try and prepare herself for Wimbledon, and it’s something Jabeur is looking forward to.
“I am still over the moon with the news. I am really lucky that she picked me and hopefully we will make a great team,” the Tunisian No 4 said.
“I cannot wait to play with her, she is such a legend. I love Serena, the way she plays, the way she is on the court and outside the court.
“I cannot wait to play alongside her at Eastbourne – I will try and make zero mistakes!”
Williams and Jabeur take on Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova tomorrow at the Eastbourne International.
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