Big Mac blows his top again

McEnroe, four times US Open singles champion and three times the undisputed master of Wimbledon’s grass courts, responded by saying that the sisters could not beat a good college player.

American billionaire Donald Trump last year offered a million dollars to promote a McEnroe-Williams clash but the sisters poured cold water onthe proposal.

‘‘I didn’t hear Marion Jones saying she could beat Maurice Greene at the 100 metres,’’ said McEnroe, on Tuesday, speaking in London ahead of the Honda Challenge men’s seniors tournament which starts at the Royal Albert Hall Wednesday.

‘‘It only seems to happen in tennis. Why in tennis do the women think they can beat the men. If they think that they should go and play in the men’s tournaments. Step up and play somebody.’’

At which point BBC TV interviewer Rob Bonnet inquired whether McEnroe was issuing a challenge. ‘‘Don’t put words into my mouth,’’ McEnroe responded. This is not John McEnroe issuing a challenge, I wouldn’t waste my breath. Many times I’ve been asked if I’d play Steffi Graf or Martina Navratilova. It’s not something that interests me.

‘‘But it’s OK for her (Williams) to insult me and call mean old man. She’s too great a player to insult somebody.’’

McEnroe is scheduled to meet old rival Bjorn Borg on Friday afternoon in what could well be their last match on British soil.

Their encounter at Wimbledon in 1980 is widely regarded as one of the finest men’s singles finals ever seen at tennis’ premier Grand Slam.

Borg has decided this week’s event will be his last seniors tournament, though he still expects to play exhibitions and special events.

‘‘I still enjoy the game but I’m not going to travel that much any more,’’ said Borg, who intends to play the pre-Wimbledon charity event at Hurlinghamnext year.

‘‘It’s still special to see John on the other side of the net and our matches are always going to be special in my heart and my mind.

‘‘We remember every game and every set ofour matches and it is a big thrill to play John again,’’ he said.