John McEnroe, who won the last of his three Wimbledon titles two years before Rafael Nadal was born, admitted he was stunned by the power of the Spaniard when they practiced together on Friday.

The 49-year-old American warmed-up with the four-time French Open winner just before the world number two took on Rainer Schuettler in his semi-final at the All England Club.

"It was fun to get a first-hand look," said McEnroe, the champion in 1981, 1983 and 1984.

"His forehand is incredible. The speed and spin is incredible and the pop in his serve, there's a life to it."

Nadal, who will tackle defending champion Roger Federer for the third final in succession on Sunday, said he enjoyed the workout with McEnroe, now a highly-respected television pundit.

"It was a very nice experience to practice with a champion like John," said the Spaniard.

AFP