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Paris confidence could be key for Henman

June 18, 2004 11:27 IST

A barnstorming claycourt season could prove more valuable than any grasscourt preparation as Tim Henman bids to end Britain's 68-year wait for a Wimbledon men's singles champion.

Four times a semi-finalist at the All England Club, Henman says that the confidence he reaped in Paris earlier this month is almost incalculable.

A series of polished performances made him the first Briton in 41 years to reach the last four of the French Open and Henman believes that may be just the tweak his preparation needs to vault him to Wimbledon glory over the next fortnight.

"The claycourt season was enjoyable and successful as far as I was concerned," Henman said. "And I think that will help my grasscourt form as I've played more matches in the past few weeks than I've ever done on that surface before.

"Because of that I'm feeling very confident and there's no doubt that will help my cause."

Henman has reached the semi-finals on four occasions at the All England Club, but has never gone further.

The last British man to reach a Wimbledon final was Bunny Austin in 1938. The last home winner was Fred Perry two years earlier.

CONFIDENCE BOOST

Despite Henman's four Wimbledon semi-finals -- in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002 -- the 29-year-old player had never, before last month, advanced beyond the fourth round of any Grand Slam other than on home turf.

That was before his barnstorming exploits in Paris in May and the confidence boost that has given him is palpable.

Even an opening-match defeat at the Stella Artois Championships on Queen's Club grass could not dent his self-belief.

"I'm playing very, very well," the fifth seed said. "I've had disappointing results at Queen's in the past and that has not affected playing at Wimbledon.

"The way I was playing last year and the way I am playing this year is in a different league."

Certainly that is a view shared by his coach Paul Annacone -- former advisor to seven-times Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras.

"Tim can win Wimbledon," the Californian said. "He's in good shape after Paris and it's just a question of making sure his mind and body are fresh.

"Roland Garros was a breakthrough for him -- the first slam he's done well in other than Wimbledon -- a big confidence booster.

"He can definitely go all the way at Wimbledon...if I can keep him on the right track I think some good things will happen.

"His head is good and he's feeling really confident."


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