US OPEN

August 30, 2001

Tim Henman

MODERATOR: Questions for Tim.

TIM HENMAN: Yeah, it was. For two sets I thought it was, you know, very, very solid, very few errors, taking my opportunities. I was very frustrated actually at the beginning of the third set because my thought process coming out to serve at Love-1 was, you know, "I gave Vacek the opportunity to get involved in the match." I thought to myself, "Let's really play a good, solid game, keep the momentum going my way." The first point I think is the one that cost me, it being a routine volley. I missed that. Didn't play the best of games. Suddenly there is a momentum swing. But, you know, it did frustrate me. But once it's happened, you've got to accept it and get on with it. Having said that, it certainly gave him a lift. He starts serving more consistently. He makes more first serves. I can't chip and charge on his second serve. More baseline points. It was difficult after that. But I was pleased with the way I regained my rhythm in the fourth set.

TIM HENMAN: Yeah, no, I felt pretty good on Tuesday. Wednesday I was a hundred percent. I think it showed in my game. I served pretty consistently. But I think my volleying at the net was very, very good today.

TIM HENMAN: I think at 2-Love, once I lost the game, there was definitely an element of frustration. There was a lot of talking going on in my head. But, again, you know, I'm not then going to dwell on it because I know I'm only doing myself harm. Having said that, I was pretty frustrated. You know, I think he obviously played a good third set. You know, I lost my serve once. I don't think I should suddenly start panicking about that. That's why I still felt good about my position in the match. I picked up my percentages again in the fourth set and served really, really consistently.

TIM HENMAN: I think I've always sort of prided myself that I've been able to be mentally strong in difficult situations. I think the first match was definitely a big, big struggle. Having said that, I think today's was a little bit more straightforward. I felt like my game plan was a lot more clear in my mind because I felt I knew what to expect. Obviously, I've seen Melingeni play a great deal. Playing someone you haven't played at all is sometimes a bit tricky.

TIM HENMAN: I like that court. Having said that, you're right, it can have more movement than most. Having said that, I think the conditions are good. Whichever court you play on, I like the way the courts are playing. The ball is pretty quick. It does, it certainly suits my game well.

TIM HENMAN: Sure.

TIM HENMAN: Well, there is. I think it's something you guys will focus on a little bit more. It's inevitable there will be a certain amount of talk. From my point of view, being a professional, it's a match between myself and Malisse. I'm sure he feels pretty good about his game. Certainly a good win beating Santoro. I'll be going out there doing my best to continue the way I've been playing.

TIM HENMAN: He knows my game better than most, doesn't he? Again, that's not what I'm going to be concentrating on. I'm concentrating on my game. I feel there are a lot of positive aspects for me to focus on. You know, I feel like I know a little bit about Malisse. I'll just have to try and influence my game.

TIM HENMAN: Say that again.

TIM HENMAN: I'm sure there are.

TIM HENMAN: Well, in this day and age, at this level, I don't think there are too many hidden secrets between the top guys because we see each other play week in, week out. We practice with each other. You know, I don't think Malisse is going to be expecting me to stay on the baseline too much during the match. But, again, you know, I know that the way to approach any type of match is to concentrate on what I'm doing. If I'm worried about what my opponent's up to, then my concentration isn't where it's meant to be, and that will affect my performance. You know, I'll just continue the way I have been.

TIM HENMAN: From Queen's.

TIM HENMAN: A little bit. It's slightly heavier in the head, moves sort of the balance point a little bit further towards the head of the racquet. I think that helps, probably helps a little bit my serve. I get a little bit more momentum going through the ball without having to try any harder. So I think the way I served on the grass and the way I've been serving recently, add to that some of the aspects that Larry has been working on, it seems to be going well.

TIM HENMAN: I think it's hotter during the day. It's hotter during the day. Therefore, the rubber in the ball is a little livelier, and therefore it probably bounces higher. I don't think there's a great deal else to it. I think that is common during the night matches. It's always going to play a little bit slower because there is not so much heat.

TIM HENMAN: Yeah, very much so. Again, I came into it with an open mind. I very much enjoyed it. I certainly feel like he's had a lot to offer from a technical and a tactical point of view. You know, I certainly like what I hear. I hope he's beginning to like what he sees (smiling).

TIM HENMAN: I don't know. I haven't got that far really. I do enough traveling to want to start traveling in my off-season.

TIM HENMAN: No, it's nice. Got some nice golf courses. It's not all bad in London either.

TIM HENMAN: I do. I've answered that question quite a few times, normally at this time of year. I say that Wimbledon is my favorite time of year, and it always will be. Having said that, when I do come to the States, there is slightly less attention, slightly less spotlight. I enjoy being able to go about my business without quite so much interest. Having said that, the circumstances and all the scenarios at Wimbledon, I love it and I thrive on that. But it's good to come here and get on with things.