John McEnroe has never been one to shy away from a strong opinion, and his latest take on women's tennis has fans buzzing. The former world number one and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, who now works as a commentator, was asked to name his personal "Mount Rushmore" of female tennis players. His choices are a masterclass in respect for the game's history, though one pick has truly stunned the tennis world.

McEnroe kicked off his list with Serena Williams, and his praise was nothing short of reverent. "I would definitely put Serena on there," he said. "In addition to the serve being the greatest serve in the history of women's tennis—and one of the greatest servers period—she's one of the greatest competitors period. One of the all-time greatest athletes, male or female, of the last 100 years. The heart, that will. Very intimidating in so many different ways. I could see how difficult it would be to have to play against her."

Next up, McEnroe named Steffi Graf, calling her "possibly as good as or better athletically than anyone I've ever seen in a man or woman in the sport of tennis." He recalled a memorable mixed doubles practice session with Graf, adding, "The focus was there, the athleticism, intensity. She's got a lot of those attributes that Serena had. 24 majors, 22 majors—that's just singles."

For his third pick, McEnroe chose Billie Jean King, and his reasoning went beyond her tennis prowess. "Single-handedly out of the last 100 years, she's done more for women's sports than any person on this planet," he said. "And also she's an incredible tennis player. Just her combination between her talent and also drive to make women treated equally—including what went on with Riggs [the Battle of the Sexes]."

Finally, McEnroe completed his list with Martina Navratilova, a fellow lefty and a player he clearly admires. "She would be my fourth pick," he said, "not only because she was a fellow lefty but because of her incredible career and impact on the game."

While McEnroe's selections are undeniably legendary, fans were particularly surprised by his omission of modern stars like Venus Williams or Maria Sharapova in favor of King and Navratilova. But for McEnroe, this Mount Rushmore represents the pinnacle of talent, athleticism, and influence in women's tennis—a list that honors both on-court dominance and off-court legacy.