John McEnroe says he can beat current World No. 1 Serena Williams

John McEnroe and Serena Williams during an event

Serena Williams may well be the greatest female tennis player of all time, but seven-time Grand Slam champion-turned commentator John McEnroe says he could defeat the 21-time Grand Slam winner, the Daily Mail reports.

“I believe that I could still take her,” McEnroe, who is currently on the PowerShares senior tour, said on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live”.

Williams, 33, will attempt to become the first woman since Steffi Graf in 1988 to win the calendar Grand Slam when the US Open begins August 31st in Flushing Meadows, New York. She has won 21 career Grand Slam singles titles and can tie Graf at 22 – second on the all-time list – by winning her third straight US Open title, in front of her home fans.

McEnroe added that Donald Trump tried to pair him and Serena 15 years ago.

“15 years ago Donald Trump … made an offer which I felt like was not enough,” McEnroe said.

“And I think he was humouring the two of us. And Serena, she’s got a lot to lose by losing to an old fart like myself. And I’ve got a lot to lose because if I lose to, God forbid, a woman, then I’m not allowed in any men’s locker room for the next 15 years, or possibly the end of my life,” the 56-year-old added.

Maybe McEnroe could take on Williams in a special event after the women’s final on September 12th. Alternatively, Kimmel suggested they pair the tennis match with a rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

But McEnroe was quick to add that he would love to play a match with her on the court, rather than getting into a ring with her.

“I don’t think I could take her in the ring. I think I could take her on the court,” McEnroe said.