Henman anxious to repeat feat of clay

Tim Henman was facing a tough opening match against Argentina's Mariano Zabaleta at the Monte Carlo Masters today while Greg Rusedski will have to overcome world No1 Roger Federer.

Henman, seeded three, reached the French Open semi-finals last year to confirm that his game can transfer to clay. With ranking points to defend over the next two months, Henman needs to repeat his success.

For Rusedski, the task is even harder as Federer is looking to continue his dominance of men's tennis with a fourth consecutive Masters Series victory. Henman said: "Mariano is a very good player, especially on clay. He's managed to get the better of me on clay in the past. The last time we played was in Rome last year and we had a really good tussle before I went down in three sets.

"He's solid from the back of the court and he can up the pace on his first serve and his forehand, and that makes him difficult to beat.

"He's already played a few clay court events this year and he managed to take Roger Federer to three sets in Miami so he must be confident. It's going to be a tough match.

"But I've done well here in the past and, having played a few matches in Indian Wells and Miami, I'm feeling good. So it should be interesting."

Henman has prepared for Monte Carlo at the All England Club at Wimbledon, which has clay courts but cannot produce the warm temperatures.

Henman added: "It takes time getting used to a change of surfaces, particularly when playing on clay for the first time this year.

"It's not my favourite surface but I proved last year that if I can use my strengths then I can do well irrespective of the court surface.

"I always feel there's a good opportunity to do well in Monte Carlo."

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