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John McEnroe got the best of Jimmy Arias in Thursday's match at The Oliver Group Champions Cup, breaking out of a rut just in time to win 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 10-6.

More important to the fans than the result, though, is the show the two tennis greats put on into the late hours of the night. It's a good thing Arias and McEnroe delivered, too, because this is most likely Mac's last appearance in the event.

At last year's Outback Champions Series event at The Players Club and Spa at Lely Resort, McEnroe had some choice words for Arias, who's known to have fun on the court. The often volatile McEnroe lived up to his reputation.

Thursday's match was more cordial, but just as entertaining. Arias, who works as a commentator for the Tennis Channel, played with the crowd, made jokes, and even lobbed some banter in his opponents direction.

McEnroe was a bit more receptive this year.

After losing a point in the first set when his return fell short, Arias drew a laugh from the crowd when he admirer the slide he took to reach the ball.

"Look at that slide, John," Arias implored McEnroe.

"You can't do commentary on your own match," McEnroe deadpanned.

It was one of several back-and-forths that, while not always friendly, weren't malicious.

"I don't want to get under his skin," Arias said. "I play better if I can talk because I have trouble dealing with adrenaline now. I haven't played as many competitive matches ... so when I'm out there and nervous, if I hold it all in, it can get really bad.

"That's my way of letting off pressure. I know it can make other players mad, but sometimes I can bring them into it."

After the match, McEnroe was reserved and sincere in his post-match interview session -- maybe even a bit zen-like.

"It's part of his schtick; it's like me getting mad," McEnroe said of Arias' playful nature. "It's counterproductive for me to lose it because I'm wasting energy. There were some long rallies, so I felt like I needed that (energy) to get back between the points."

McEnroe won a contentious first set, getting ahead early in a tiebreak to win 7-6 (7-4). He all but disappeared in the second set, however, falling 6-2.

In the second set, the players split the first two games before Arias won four straight. McEnroe managed to win just four points during the losing spell.

The 49-year-old, the oldest player in this week's eight-man field, returned to form in the champions tie break in which the first to 10 points wins the match. McEnroe looked like a seven-time Grand Slam champ as he fired three early aces and quickly dispatched Arias 10-6.

McEnroe has said before he won't play competitively after he's 50, and he stuck by that claim late Thursday.

"I feel like this is my last year," he said. "I feel like I just can't do it. ... I can't just coast for a few days; every match is difficult."

Though he said he's likely done playing in the Champions Series after this season, McEnroe said he'd still like to play in the area.

"I'm not going to say I'm not going to play in Naples again because it's got a lot of history," McEnroe said. "They like tennis, there's a lot of different clubs. I wouldn't go as far to say I wouldn't be down here playing an exhibition or some kind of charity event at some point."