 The determined McEnroe took over two hours to secure victory |
John McEnroe opened his Masters campaign with a hard-fought victory against Sweden's Anders Jarryd at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday. McEnroe, 47, took two hours nine minutes to win 7-6 (11-9) 4-6 10-7.
McEnroe will now play dangerous Frenchman Cedric Pioline to see who tops their group, although both are guaranteed a quarter-final berth.
"I knew it was going to be tough - we have played a lot of close matches over the years," said McEnroe.
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"He is one of the guys who inspired me to work harder as we hopefully age gracefully.
"He is only two years younger than me so this was a legitimate seniors match.
"I saw it break the two-hour mark and thought it was never going to end. Thank god for the tie-break as a third set".
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