Battle of the Sexes: Tennis legend Billie Jean King says Serena Williams should not play John McEnroe

Legendary tennis player Billie Jean King created history way back in 1973 when she beat Bobby Riggs to win the 'Battle of the Sexes' showdown. However, the former tennis player does not think it is a good idea at present to get the best female player in the world against a retired tennis male athlete.

King, who has won 39 Grand Slam titles in her career, took on Riggs in a nationally televised match that drew in 37 million viewers in a clash that was billed as the 'Battle of the Sexes'. King was 29 years old at that time while Riggs was 55, way past his prime and it showed on the court as King thrashed him in straight sets.

The 72-year-old thinks that such a thing now would not be interesting and presents a no-win proposition for women overall.

"Everyone has been trying to get John McEnroe to play Serena (Williams) for probably 25 years. I think he wants to, I think she probably doesn't. She is not playing as well as she usually does" King said, as quoted from the New York Daily.

"Some nights you have a bad day at the office. That's only one match-one day in your whole life and everyone is focusing on it. And that's it. That's the way people remember you for life."

"I don't know if it really helps women so much. So we beat an older guy. Whoopie", she added further.

Williams, who at 34, is currently 23 years younger than McEnroe and is not expected to agree to the clash anytime soon. The 21-time Grand Slam winner is currently focusing on defending her Wimbledon crown, which would tie her with Steffi Graf as the player with the most number of Grand Slam titles in the open era.