Tarango Challenges McEnroe

Tempestuous Jeff Tarango threw down a $200,000 challenge to John McEnroe on Thursday in response to claims by the former tennis champion that he could still beat most players on the tour.

"I'm putting out a challenge to McEnroe for saying he could beat almost everyone on the tour. That's ridiculous and I'm willing to put up $200,000 of my own dollars to prove it," Tarango, ranked 72, told Reuters in a telephone call from California.

McEnroe was quoted by London's Daily Mail last month as saying he was still the best doubles player in the world, and as far as singles players go, on a given day "I could beat most of them. They'd be sorry guys."

The fiery McEnroe, 39, last played a full season on the ATP Tour in 1992 but has continued competing on the senior circuit, with earnings this year of $296,500. His career winnings from the regular circuit exceeded $12.5 million.

The 30-year-old Tarango earned $443,009 this season.

Tarango is known for stirring things up. He caused outrage in 1995 by storming off the court at Wimbledon, questioning the integrity of a chair umpire, who was also slapped in the face by Tarango's wife.

Tarango's tantrums have often invited comparisons to McEnroe, but never his game.

Neither McEnroe nor his agent could be reached for comment, but the former world number one's father, John McEnroe Sr, reached at his law office in New York, said: "I think it's all very funny, rather humorous.

"On the other hand, maybe John would see it as an easy way to pick up $200,000."

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