Thaindian News

New York, Aug 28(ANI): American tennis legend John McEnroe has urged the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to trim down its schedule saying that women tennis players are not mentally and physically strong enough to handle it.

McEnroe, who’s known for making controversial statements, made the comments ahead of the U.S. Open, which starts from Monday in Flushing.

“They should be required to be in less events, there should be less events for the women,” The New York Daily News quoted McEnroe, as saying.

“It seems it takes an actual meltdown on the court or women quitting the game altogether before they realize there’s a need to change the schedule,” he added.

However, former French Open Mixed Doubles champion, Mary Carillo said that she does not see the validity of McEnroe’s opinion.

“I hate the idea that we have to judge women on a curve and say, ‘It’s too much for them. I’ve seen too many great women champions for too long,” Carillo said.

WTA Tour Commissioner Stacy Allaster also criticized the call saying that McEnroe should study up more on the issue.

“John is more than entitled to his opinion, and he is a well-respected leader in our sport, but I hope when someone makes comments he’s also looking at the data,” Allaster said.

“Venus (Williams) is 30 and she is very careful with her body because she wants to continue to play,” she added. (ANI)