Bobby Riggs versus Billie Jean King was called “Battle of the Sexes” in 1973.
The 55-year-old Riggs challenged a 29-year-old King in the prime of her career to a bombastic tennis match that reached an estimated audience of 90 million people.
And tennis legend John McEnroe recently spoke the truth about Serena Williams, and it was met with immense feminist backlash.
In 1973, a once first-ranked tennis pro, Bobby Riggs, challenged one of the great female pros of all time, Billie Jean King, to a highly publicized match.
A Hollywood film set to premiere on September 22nd is literally called “Battle of the Sexes” about this specific tennis match, and stars Emma Stone as King and Steve Carell as the bombastic Riggs.
Billie Jean King beat the 55-year-old.
But a new rivalry was just birthed that is a reminder of the biological differences perpetuated back in 1973.
And who knows? Maybe it’s a set-up for a “Battle of the Sexes Part 2.”
McEnroe spoke on NPR about Serena Williams being the greatest tennis player versus the greatest women’s tennis player:
“Well, because if she was in, if she played the men’s circuit, she’d be like 700 in the world. … That doesn’t mean I don’t think Serena is an incredible player.
I do, but the reality of what would happen would be, I think, something that, perhaps it would be a little higher, perhaps it would be a little lower.
And, on any given day, Serena could beat some players. I believe because she is so incredibly strong mentally that she could overcome some situations where players would choke because she’s been in it so many times, so many situations at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, etc.
But if she had to just play the circuit — the men’s circuit — that would be an entirely different story.”
And, of course, yes, social justice feminists blasted his comments immediately.
But what they didn’t know (or research) is that Williams actually agreed, and echoed the same when she appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman four years ago.
“For me, men’s tennis and women’s tennis are completely, almost, two separate sports.
If I were to play Andy Murray, I would lose 6-0, 6-0, in five to six minutes, maybe 10 minutes.
No, it’s true. It’s a completely different sport. The men are a lot faster and they serve harder, they hit harder, it’s just a different game.
I love to play women’s tennis. I only want to play girls because I don’t want to be embarrassed.”
But, nevertheless, Serena responded to John’s comments as if they were out of line and she didn’t agree:
Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 26, 2017
I’ve never played anyone ranked “there” nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I’m trying to have a baby. Good day sir
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 26, 2017
So she’s offended by what she already agreed with four years ago?
Granted, Williams never implied that she would be ranked 700th, and to be fair, she would probably be ranked a lot higher.
McEnroe’s comment was hyperbolic, but it’s fair to say that the top 25 tennis players would wipe the floor with her because of power.
And that’s not to take anything away from Serena, because she truly is one of the greatest athletes ever and she has made America proud to have her on a consistent basis.
Maybe the only way to settle this is a “Battle of the Sexes Part 2” with a 58-year-old McEnroe matched up against the 35-year-old Williams once she delivers her baby.
If it happens, you’ll know all of this was a gimmick.