Unimpressive Henman moves in to round three at Wimbledon
Thursday, 26 June 2003 18:23Tim Henman was still not entirely convincing but did enough to book his place in the third round at Wimbledon.
Henman beat France's Michael Llodra in straight sets on Centre Court, but hardly imposed himself on the qualifier.
The 10th seed won 6-4 6-4 6-3 and faces his third qualifier of the championships in unknown Swede Robin Soderling in the last 32. But the British number one still has plenty of room for improvement with Llodra taking just two of the 11 break points he created.
Henman, who struggled to get past `lucky loser' Tomas Zib in the first round, was forced to save two break points in the fifth game of the first set as his French opponent showed off the excellent touch which makes him such a good doubles exponent.
But the 28-year-old then delighted the thousands of fans again watching on `Henman Hill' by breaking Llodra's serve in real style. Two backhand winners, the second right out of the top drawer, and one on the forehand side gave Henman three set points.
And although Llodra saved one with an ace, Henman fired another winner to open up a one-set lead. The players swapped breaks in the first two games of the second set, Henman guilty of two double faults as Llodra briefly went in front.
The next seven games went with serve and it was the 10th game again when Henman pounced. Llodra netted an easy forehand to give the 10th seed three set points and Henman did not need a second opportunity, hitting a backhand return winner cross-court to take the set 6-4.
Henman broke Llodra to move into a 3-1 lead but was immediately broken back, only to make it three breaks in a row to lead 5-2. Llodra held serve to force Henman to serve out for the match and he did so with ease to move into the third round.
Filed by James McMahon
