McEnroe hopes Serena can beat ‘crazy aunt’ Court’s record

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FILE PHOTO: Tennis – Laver Cup – Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland – September 20, 2019 Team World captain John McEnroe reacts during the singles match between Team Europe’s Dominic Thiem and Team World’s Denis Shapovalov REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – John McEnroe mocked Australian Margaret Court as the ‘crazy aunt’ of tennis on Monday and said he hoped Serena Williams could beat the 77-year-old’s record of winning 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

Court has attracted heavy criticism for voicing her religious-based opposition to same-sex marriage.

The Australian Open on Monday marked the 50th anniversary of her 1970 feat of winning all four major titles in one calendar year with compatriot Rod Laver, who completed the calendar slam twice in 1962 and 1969, handing her a trophy to some applause.

McEnroe meanwhile unleashed his broadside on Eurosport television.

“There’s only one thing longer than a list of Margaret Court’s tennis achievements: it’s her list of offensive and homophobic statements,” said the seven-times Grand Slam champion.

“Serena, do me a favor, get two more Grand Slams this year and get to 25 so we can leave Margaret Court and her offensive views in the past, where they both belong. Thank you,” added the American.

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