McEnroe expects tough challenge

Four-time champion John McEnroe aims to regain his Honda Challenge title next month in London – but expects tough competition.

The American claims the event at the Royal Albert Hall will boast the best-ever line-up for a Challenge Tour competition with the likes of Boris Becker and Pat Cash set to appear.

“I think it’s the strongest field we’ve had at a Champions Tour event, ever,” said McEnroe.

“It’s going to be great. Becker and Michael Stich are playing so it’s like a changing of the guard on the Tour. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s kind of inspiring. It makes my life an awful lot tougher, but it also gets me pumped up.

“The Honda Challenge has always been our Wimbledon. Last year I felt a little bit burned out, but I’ve been training for this, working out secretly, and I’m going to be ready.

“I’ve probably got two years left but when I’m at the top of my game, I still think that I’m the best player out there.”