Henman is back but don't mention Wimbledon
Monday November 3, 10:35 AM
PARIS, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Tim Henman is back among the elite of men's tennis more consistent than ever before but, in some ways, just as inconsistent as he ever was.
Twelve months after surgery to his shoulder, the Briton's victory at the Paris Masters showed his serve and volley game -- a rarity in modern tennis -- is capable of beating the very best.
Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and U.S Open champion Andy Roddick, the new world number one, were both dealt with in straight sets and the only player to take a set off Henman in six matches was Sebastien Grosjean of France.
Before the final, the Briton said he had never played such good tennis and, after returning to the top 15 with victory over Andrei Pavel on Sunday, he is aiming for the top three.
"I've played well in patches but not as consistently, and that's the battle isn't it? That's the challenge for me, it's whether I can string it together.
"I played some good tennis when I was at my highest ranking but if I play the tennis I'm capable of for longer periods, then I don't think number four will be my highest ranking," he said.
MENTALLY FOLDING
But with Henman, the shot-making is only half the story -- what happens in his head is what will make or break his chances of challenging Roddick, Federer and Juan Carlos Ferrero.
He has a reputation of mentally folding under pressure, which translates into unforced errors on-court as his normally flowing game tightens up.
As Roddick pointed out Henman was until Sunday one of the few top players without a Grand Slam or Tennis Masters title. He had lost his previous two Masters Series finals and has reached the Wimbledon semi-finals four times without making the final. It is probably no coincidence that he has performed so well in Paris. He came to the French capital just hoping to win a couple of matches as a preparation for his 2004 campaign.
"I think it's pretty evident that my demeanour, my attitude on the court is pretty relaxed. I do feel there is an element of win-win," he said after beating Grosjean.
But after holding his nerve when Grosjean was on fire in the first set, and beating Roddick in two tiebreaks, Henman's old problem reared its head in the second set against Pavel.
Cruising after winning the first 6-2, Henman's game suddenly hit a trough. Pavel broke his serve but Henman held on to win the tiebreak 8-6 on his third set point.
SHOCK VICTORY
Seeing a chance of a shock victory, the Romanian was a different player in the third set, recovering power on his serve and charging the net. But again Henman took control of the tiebreak to win it 7-2.
"There was definitely some nervous tension. The third set was the toughest of the week for me," Henman said.
Great players like Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi feed off the crushing tension of the big matches, and the acid test of Henman's new attitude will be Wimbledon next year.
At 29, time is running out for Britain's number one to win the title at the All England Club.
Every year the pressure on Henman builds to an excruciating level over the Wimbledon fortnight and he has never been able to take the final step into the final.
"I think sometimes I can be guilty of almost trying too hard to win and that puts added pressure on one's self," he said. "It's inevitable it gets harder and harder as the matches get bigger and bigger."
Perhaps winning the Paris title will help relax Henman and allow him to enjoy the Wimbledon experience, win or lose.
"I don't want this week to be an exception. That tournament (Wimbledon) has always finished with a loss, this one's finishing with a win so I think this is my greatest achievement.
"I've always believed that one day I can win a Grand Slam and to get a title of this stature under your belt can only go to increase your belief."
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