Speaking as part of a tour to promote his new book "But Seriously", McEnroe said he would place Williams "like 700 in the world" on the men's circuit.
"Best female player ever -- no question.
"If she had to just play the circuit -- the men's circuit -- that would be an entirely different story," McEnroe told American broadcaster National Public Radio.
The seven-time major winner said the best thing Williams would have going for her on the men's tour would be her mental toughness.
He said her rivals would crack under pressure.
"She could overcome some situations where players would choke because she's been in it so many times, so many situations at Wimbledon, The US Open, etc," he said.
Williams became the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam titlewhen she claimed the 2015 Wimbledon title at age 33. The Los Angeles native has 23 Grand Slam singles crowns and 14 doubles titles in majors.
The ATP Tour rankings only go to the top 500 and Andy Murray is the current top ranked ATP Tour player while Temur Ismailov of Uzbekistan holds down the 500th spot.
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