McEnroe Wins Opener at Seniors Barcelona

John McEnroe made Martin Jaite's 2006 senior tour debut a rough one Thursday, pounding the Argentine 6-2, 6-1 in his debut match at the Merrill Lynch Tour of Champions stop in Barcelona.

"You have got to play well for four days, but considering that I only arrived here yesterday I feel as though I played very well," said McEnroe, who successfully forced his serve-and-volley style on the red clay. "I take it very seriously playing against these guys and I want to win the
tournament."

Addressing the challenge laid down by Marcelo Rios as the Chilean won the first two events he played in 2006, McEnroe remained cryptic concerning their inevitable meeting.

"I imagine that when we meet, the better-looking person will win," McEnroe said.

Other winners Thursday were Sergi Bruguera (d. Andres Gomez), Carlos Costa (d. Mats Wilander), and Richard Krajicek (d. Javier Sanchez Vicario 10-3 in the third).

Sanchez Vicario was a late replacement for brother Emilio who withdrew with a shoulder injury.

On Friday's schedule in Barcelona are Jaite vs. Costa, McEnroe vs. Wilander, J.Sanchez Vicario vs. Bruguera, and Krajicek vs. Gomez.