In_Disguise
06-18-2005, 02:32 PM
HENMAN CONSIDERING TACTICS
Saturday 18th June 2005
Ahead of his 12th Wimbledon campaign, Tim Henman has admitted that grass court tennis has changed in recent years. Henman, a natural exponent of the serve-and-volley tactic, believes he must adapt to a more varied game if he is to achieve a repeat of his previous exploits at SW19.
The British number one has appeared in four semi-finals at the All-England club, but has struggled for fitness and form so far this season.
"Grass court tennis is different," noted Henman. "I think I have to accept that and I think you have to be more selective.
"You can't just serve-and-volley both balls unless you've got one of the biggest serves.”
Henman faces world numer 70 Jarkko Nieminen in the first round of this year's tournament and the Englishman is full of respect for his opponent.
"His ranking isn't quite as high as it once was but he has weapons, and if he uses them well he can cause problems for anybody," said Henman.
"Although we've never played before, I have a good idea of what to expect in terms of his strengths and weaknesses.
"But I always feel I play my best tennis when I dictate play, and that's what I'll certainly be trying to do for as much of the time as possible.
"I know that if I do that well I can beat anybody on grass, and so I'll be concentrating on trying to execute my game plan to the best of my ability and then taking it from there."
Saturday 18th June 2005
Ahead of his 12th Wimbledon campaign, Tim Henman has admitted that grass court tennis has changed in recent years. Henman, a natural exponent of the serve-and-volley tactic, believes he must adapt to a more varied game if he is to achieve a repeat of his previous exploits at SW19.
The British number one has appeared in four semi-finals at the All-England club, but has struggled for fitness and form so far this season.
"Grass court tennis is different," noted Henman. "I think I have to accept that and I think you have to be more selective.
"You can't just serve-and-volley both balls unless you've got one of the biggest serves.”
Henman faces world numer 70 Jarkko Nieminen in the first round of this year's tournament and the Englishman is full of respect for his opponent.
"His ranking isn't quite as high as it once was but he has weapons, and if he uses them well he can cause problems for anybody," said Henman.
"Although we've never played before, I have a good idea of what to expect in terms of his strengths and weaknesses.
"But I always feel I play my best tennis when I dictate play, and that's what I'll certainly be trying to do for as much of the time as possible.
"I know that if I do that well I can beat anybody on grass, and so I'll be concentrating on trying to execute my game plan to the best of my ability and then taking it from there."