And the three-time Wimbledon champion then hinted he could return to the All England Club next year at the age of 39 - to play with Steffi Graf in the mixed doubles.

McEnroe, who last appeared at Wimbledon in 1992 when he won the men's doubles with Germany's Michael Stich, said: "Steffi saw me in Geneva last week and suggested we might play.

"I have no plans to play men's doubles at Wimbledon because I have TV commitments and 10 hours behind the mike can drain you. But playing with Steffi is very tempting.

"It's been about 20 years since I last played mixed doubles and I felt like leaving it for another 20 years. But it's a good idea to play Wimbledon and maybe the (US) Open with Steffi.

"Steffi and I could lose but it's not likely. She could pull me through so I might be able to fit it in."

Supermac rolls back the years

Noah was no match for a fiercely competitive McEnroe, who broke the French veteran's serve in the 11th game and then served out to win the first set in 48 minutes.

The American then won the first four games of the second set to move to the brink of a straight sets victory.

But Noah, facing break point to go 5-0 down, saved the point with a thundering serve and then broke back before reducing the arrears to 4-3.