McEnroe Defeats Wilander, 6-4, 6-4, in U.S. vs. Sweden Exhibition Match

PORTLAND, Ore. — John McEnroe relied on a strong game at the net Tuesday night to defeat Mats Wilander, 6-4, 6-4, in a Davis Cup-style exhibition between the United States and Sweden.

McEnroe, ranked 14th in the world, said he was regaining his past form.

“I think I made some positive steps, and I’m going in the right direction,” McEnroe said.

McEnroe returned to the professional tour last August after taking 6 1/2 months away from tennis to devote to his family.

McEnroe said he plans to play at Wimbledon and the French Open this year as his comeback moves into full swing.

Wilander, ranked third in the world, is in the early stages of a return to the tour after his marriage earlier this month.

He said he thought the layoff had hurt his game in the short run, but he predicted it would improve over the long term.

In the first match, Sweden’s Mikael Pernfors defeated Peter Fleming, 7-6, 6-3.