Updated June 27, 2017 13:02:37

Photo: Serena Williams has responded to comments made by John McEnroe that she would struggle playing men. (AP: Aaron Favila, File)

Serena Williams has no interest in John McEnroe's thoughts on what would happen if she tried to play on the men's tennis tour.

Williams used Twitter to respond to comments McEnroe made during a weekend interview on a US radio station to promote his latest book.

McEnroe, a former world number one and a seven-time major winner, said there was "no question" Williams was the best women's tennis player in history.

But when asked whether she was the sport's best ever, regardless of gender, he made clear he does not think so.

He told NPR he thought Williams could beat some men, "but if she had to just play the circuit — the men's circuit — that would be an entirely different story".

McEnroe said if she tried to be part of the men's tour, "she'd be like 700 in the world".

The 35-year-old Williams, who is taking a break from the WTA Tour because she is pregnant, responded on Twitter, calling for respect and privacy.

Williams, who claimed a historic seventh Australian Open crown in January, plans to return to competition in 2018.

She has won 23 major singles titles, a record in the Open era, which began in 1968.

McEnroe previously suggested on a US talk show in 2015 he could beat Williams, who is 23 years his junior, if they played.

He also revealed at the time that US President Donald Trump, during his business career, had once offered to stage an exhibition match between himself and Williams.

AP/ABC

Topics: tennis, sport, united-states

First posted June 27, 2017 12:58:27