SAN JOSE - John McEnroe rolled back the years on Thursday to partner Swede Jonas Bjorkman to a first round doubles win at the SAP Open.
Bjorkman and McEnroe, on the eve of his 47th birthday, beat the No. 2 seeded doubles team of Wayne Arthurs and Stephen Huss 6-3, 6-3.
"I want to inspire the old people," McEnroe said. "The old dog wants to teach the young guys a few new tricks."
McEnroe, who last played an ATP Tour match in 1994, was presented with a birthday cake and fans sang "Happy Birthday" to him after the match.
The erstwhile enfant terrible of the men's tour teased the crowd, playfully scowling at the chair umpire on a couple of close line calls and dropping his racket in mock anger.
During his career, McEnroe won a record 154 tournaments - 77 singles and 77 doubles.
"It isn't going to change the world that I played a doubles tournament. We've got to get out there and attract new customers," said McEnroe.
"But it's nice to be out there and open people's eyes about doubles a little bit."
- REUTERS
Tennis: McEnroe takes doubles win in return to Tour
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