"Serena Williams is way better than I am, there’s no comparison" - When John McEnroe supported fellow American amid criticism over her temper issues

John McEnroe once defended Serena Williams, saying that she managed her temper on the court far better than he ever did. Both players have a history of on-court outbursts, which attracted significant criticism during their playing days.

McEnroe was known for his endless confrontation with chair umpires and losing his cool often with his 'You cannot be serious' phrase to an umpire during the 1981 Wimbledon Championships, still living rent-free in everyone's minds.

In a 2013 interview with CNN, McEnroe was asked to share his thoughts on Williams being criticized for losing her temper. This came shortly after the 23-time Grand Slam champion sparked controversy at the Australian Open by smashing her racquet during a quarterfinal loss to then-19-year-old Sloane Stephens.

John McEnroe suggested Serena Williams should be given some leniency — except for the 2009 US Open foot fault and a subsequent point penalty for intimidating a line judge — considering the challenges she has faced, including racism.

"Serena’s way better than I am (in terms of keeping her temper)," McEnroe said. "There’s no comparison. I think she’s held herself and she’s needed to – obviously being a woman and, second, being looked at closer because she’s Black, so I think she’s got a couple strikes against her before she even starts."

The seven-time Major champion added:

"Compared to the overall package that I think she’s gone through and what she’s experienced, I think she should be cut some slack. It doesn’t excuse the time she got foot-faulted (at the 2009 U.S. Open), I think she would tell you she deserved to get faulted, but for the most part I think she’s done an extremely good job. I mean, certainly compared to me (laughs)."

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"When Serena Williams is on, she’s the best I’ve ever seen play" - John McEnroe

During the CNN interview, John McEnroe was asked to name the best female player of all time. He praised legends like Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and Steffi Graf for their contributions to the sport, but ultimately singled out Serena Williams as the standout player.

"I’ve seen them all. What Billie Jean King has done for the game and the way she played was more like how I played, and Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert won a billion tournaments, Steffi Graf … but to me overall, when Serena’s on, she’s the best I’ve ever seen play, the whole package as far as what she can bring to the table," McEnroe said.

The American added:

"Hopefully for us, we’re wondering where the next American guy is – the next American woman. We’re still looking pretty sharp. Hopefully, this will inspire some other people to get out there before she quits."