The tennis legend has implored the All England Club to put a bronze statue of the British ace - who became the first male home player to win at SW19 for 77 years in 2013 - outside Centre Court alongside recognitions of former British champions such as Fred Perry and Virginia Wade.

McEnroe said: "If I was making that decision, I would say absolutely, yes, because that’s a long drought, 77 years.

"He’s absolutely changed the way people look at British tennis. He’s one of the greatest competitors that I’ve ever seen play tennis. It would be well deserved, and it would be awesome, because two of his three Grand Slam wins were at Wimbledon, plus the Olympics."

Murray's participation at Wimbledon is uncertain after he had back surgery last weekend and McEnroe is saddened by how injuries have ravaged the former world number one's career in recent years.

The three-time Wimbledon winner said: "He was part of the big four and he finished 2016 as the best player in the world.

"So it’s unfortunate that injuries [have hampered him] – you don’t hear about him the same way we did before.

"He’s had a tremendous career. Unfortunately, most careers don’t end the way you want them to."

McEnroe continued: "I don’t think that you can take away from the accomplishments.

"I had the same problem. I often say: ‘The older I get, the better I used to be.’

"Unfortunately, when you have injuries, it’s pretty damn hard, if not impossible to get to that level where you were before."