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NEWS ARCHIVES 2001

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Other Archives - 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999

18 December 2001 - Tim in training for 2002

After a less than spectacular end of season, Tim had a break from tennis before performing several sponsorship opportunities, playing an exhibition match against John McEnroe, appearing on the annual sporting shin-dig at the Sports Personality of the Year and is now in full training for the 2002 season.

15 October 2001 - Stuttgart Update

Tim is back in a groove indoors.  After a nervous opening few games against Axel Pretzsch, Tim stormed away at 3-3 and never let the German get another look in.  The next match should be more interesting!  After losing early in Vienna, Tim will want to get through a few rounds in Germany to maintain any chance he has of qualifying for the Masters Cup in Sydney.

13 October 2001 - Tim back in Stuttgart

Tim has got a bye in the first round of the Tennis Masters Series in Stuttgart.  He will play either Albert Portas or Axel Pretzsch in the second round.

9 October 2001 - Tim beats Ferreira

Tim started his run to Sydney in style by beating difficult South African Wayne Ferreira in ruthless style 6-4, 6-0.  His next opponent will be Guillermo Canas.

7 October 2001 - Tim returns try the Viennese Waltz for another year

Rather than spend loads of time writing about the matches, I have given an insight into some of the things that happened before the BBC cameras starting rolling and the newspapers starting report.  I hope you enjoy it!

Pre DC tie:

After Roger Taylor's master plan of a Team GB training camp was scuppered by terrorists, the British team finally met up in Guayaquil with just five days to go before the DC tie. Greg, Barry, Roger and practice partners came from Miami, Tim arrived via London, Bermuda, London, Madrid and Quito whilst Martin Lee was the only sensible one and had been acclimitising quite nicely by playing the ATP event in Salvador, Brazil the week before.

The presence of such top stars caused much curiosity in the Ecuadorian press and public alike and there was much activity at the Club Nacional all week in the lead up to the tie. The tennis court might be in an old bull ring but some of the facilities have to be built from scratch before the ties. I saw there were several (not too complimentary) stories in the British media about things being unorganised. However everything went to plan, the only things that were left to the last minute were the commentary boxes (but then again, the TV commentary boxes were not exactly the most important item on the plan!) Would the TV commentators like their commentary boxes to be put before work on the court?

The weather in the lead up to the tie was a lot more temperate and European than it could have been. Although it was hot, it was not unbearably hot and I think the Team GB squad were enjoying themselves. The facilities at the Club Nacional were good with outdoor pool facilities as well as plenty of court space for both teams. Greg, in particular, had become a star with Latin American media circus because he spoke Spanish (very well), much to the surprise of the LTA, because none of the LTA personnel were aware that he had such talents. Greg became very much the official spokesperson of the team and I think he relished the limelight. It is just a shame that none of the other team members including Roger Taylor made much of an effort to speak any Spanish.

Wednesday – Draw Ceremony Day

The Draw Ceremony took place on the newly refurbished waterfront Plaza de Olmedo area of the Malecon 2000 on the banks of the River Guyas, The importance of the sporting occasion meant that the local TV company networks were transmitting the draw live. The South Americans have a very relaxed attitude to time and schedules so the 7 pm start time was really only a guide. The British team obviously arrived on time (if not early) as they were all present and correct in their official GB suits. I arrived with my journo friends at 6.58 pm and it was obvious that things were not going to start on time. The Ecuadorian team arrived in dribs and drabs with Nicolas and Giovanni Lapentti arriving to a popstar style welcome at about 7.10. Eventually the ceremony got underway at about 7.20. The referee of the tie, Paolo Perreira, explained things in both English and Spanish before the all important lottery of the draw took place. The first name out of the hat was Greg's so that meant he would start the tie against Nicolas, whilst Tim would play the Ecuadorian No.2, Morejon. The doubles pairs were set, Tim & Greg vs Nicolas and Giovanni and the return singles matches if needed. The Draw Ceremony was completed by a fireworks display in the night sky; although this had been publicised, I think it took Tim by surprise because I saw him "jump in surprise" when the first loud bangs occurred.

Both teams gave a pretty extensive press conference with Greg taking the lead for Team GB and answering many of the questions in Spanish (about the forthcoming tie and his previous DC experiences), whilst Tim was asked about his favourite matches (and not surprisingly he said these came at Wimbledon). [It was in fact Tim's second trip to Ecuador because he took part in the Quito Challenger back in November [1995/4?].] Afterwards the teams adjourned to the prestigious "colonial" Guayaquil Yacht Club next door where the main players gave individual TV and media interviews.

Thursday was the final day before the tie and it was the last chance for the players to prepare. Team Ecu had possession of the DC court in the late morning and Team GB were on for most of the afternoon.

With the first match starting at 10 am on the Friday, it was a very early start for everyone. Greg had some practice time at 8.15 am (yes I do mean then), whilst Nico decided to practice behind closed doors on another court in the facility.

Rubber 1 – Nico vs Greg

Greg was obviously nervous at the start of the match and could hardly put a ball in court during the first half hour. The noise from the home fans was substantial (this did not come over on the TV) and certainly made for an interesting contest. Nico took the opening set easily before Greg came to life. He started playing some inspired tennis – much better than I have ever seen him play on clay (live or on TV) and once he had found his range on serve, he wrestled control and won in 4 sets, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5, 6-3. Greg called it his best ever Davis Cup victory and an important start to the tie and I probably agree with him.

Rubber 2 – Luis Morejon vs Tim

This was always going to be a pretty one sided contest and Tim played controlled tennis which meant he always had the advantage. Tim served incredibly well [percentage?] throughout Morejon fought hard, probably producing better tennis than many were expecting, but Tim was able to turn up the pressure at the vital points in each set to win fairly comfortably 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in under [two hours].

Team GB could hardly believe their luck. The British press and team alike had been predicting a tough battle, but Tim and Greg (particularly Greg) had turned the advantage around, Team GB were well and truly in control and a win in the doubles would seal things.

Rubber 3 – Doubles

Tim and Greg continued the controlled demolition job that they had started the day before. The doubles had been the key rubber last year, when Greg was injured and Arvind Parmar had been given his baptism of fire, but this time Tim and Greg increased their unbeaten run of Davis Cup victories to [four?], by beating the Lapentti brothers in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 and the main business of the tie was over.

Just for good measure the British team did a lap of honour round the court with the Union Jack before everyone adjourned back to pool side where unwittingly Roger Taylor got pushed in before the rest of Team GB jumped in, fully dressed. It was a great way to cool down and celebrate and not one that is always available!

Final day

The last two rubbers of the tie were completed with honours even. Martin Lee played really well to beat Giovanni Lapentti in two sets 6-0, 6-4 whilst Luis Morejon inflicted a similar straight sets defeat on Barry Cowan 6-1, 6-4.

The British fans who made the trip out to Ecuador certainly made themselves heard and I am sure that most, like me, found the experience of being in South America unforgettable. There were actually only about 50 fans who went out from Britain but they were joined by about 150 ex-patriots and gap year students who took the time out from their travels to support the team. [Contrary to what was said on the BBC, the British Association of Tennis Supporters (BATS) had nothing to do with organising the trip. They all felt it was too expensive, and at about £1000 for a five day trip, which is what many of the fans had done, I agree with them. However, it could be done much cheaper; I was in Ecuador for 11 days and still only spent £970!]

It was the end to a satisfying weekend for Roger Taylor and his team and after last year they had gained a certain amount of revenge on Great Britain's humiliating defeat by Ecuador at Wimbledon at the same stage of the competition.

However, that being said, Great Britain had still been the favourites to win the tie from the start. Tim got it right when he said "It is a tie we should have won anyway so we needn't get as carried away as some people have become."

[As one final aside to the story, I would just like to mention one thing: The commentators and particularly Sue Barker made some pretty uncomplimentary comments about Nicolas; saying that he obviously choked during the tie. However, this was not the case. He was in fact carrying an injury to his back (and had in fact been restricted by this injury during the US Open) and found it very difficult to practice, let alone play. However, never once did he complain, let on or whinge about it in the lead up or during the tie itself (unlike Greg last year). He carried immense pressure on his shoulders because HE is tennis in Ecuador but HE DID NOT CHOKE and I found some of the comments on the message board to be unnecessary and I hope that deleting everything will be an end to the matter.]

3 September 2001 - US Open Dissappointment

Well things did not quite pan out for Tim in his attempt to win this year's US Open.    It took 5 sets for Tim to beat his first opponent Jan Vacek even after leading two sets to love and this was indicative of Tim's week in general. Tim felt ill as his first round match went on and it was probably this factor that allowed Vacek to fight his way back into the match. It was only when the weather intervened during the early stages of the fifth and final set that Tim was able to get off court and regroup. When the players returned to court it did not take long for Tim to finish things off but it was a mammoth battle, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 3-6, 6-3.

In the second round Tim got a taste of how things might be during the Davis Cup tie (from the crowd anyway) when he played Fernando Meligini from Brazil. The first two sets were business as usual as Tim showed he was bouncing back from his previous match as well as any injury/illness by winning the two first sets with the loss of only 7 games. However, Tim let his control of things slip through just a few points and a couple of games and this allowed Meligini (one of the funniest players on the ATP Tour) to get back into contention. The Brazilian won the set 6-3 before Tim took control again and won 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

All through the opening few days, the British media had been assuming that Tim and Greg would meet in the fourth round in the first all British Grand Slam match (well - for as long as I can remember). However, this was very shortsighted because we all know about the great strength in depth within the main ATP Tour at present. And Tim's third round opponent had an added interest. Xavier Malisse is now coached by David Felgate. Malisse might not be the top player that Tim is but he has certainly improved his results over this year. For starters did you know that he beat Marat Safin in Los Angeles earlier this summer?

Back in the match, Tim never really found his form.  The statistics showed that Tim served a total of 14 double faults and made double the amount of unforced errors that the Belgian player produced.  Yes OK he did win the first set, but it was on a tie break which could have gone either way. Things got no better in the second and third sets as the young Belgian player grabbed the initiative and took a two sets to one lead. Although Tim was able to get things back even again, he was still not playing the sort of brilliant tennis we have all become accustomed.  He even went 3-0 up in the final set but lost the initiative again and when Malisse fought back to level and then broke Tim's serve again in the 9th game, it was all over; Xavier served things out 6-7, 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 and Tim was left to rue his lost opportunities.

22 August 2001 - US Open Draw News

Tim has been given the 9th seeding position for the US Open which starts on Monday.  The draw took place earlier today and Tim has been put in the "loaded" bottom half of the draw.  He plays a qualifier in the first round and further through the tournament he may have to play Greg Rusedski in the fourth round before the real hard work starts.... and possible successive matches with Safin, then Sampras, Rafter or Agassi and that is just up to the semi final stage!

19 August 2001 - Guga beats Tim - AGAIN

After the toils of Canada and Ohio, Tim completed his US Open preparation in Indianapolis - like last year.  A bye in the first round gave him a rest until Wednesday.  With his confidence flowing, Tim raced through his first two matches against Adrian Voinea and Mariano Zabaleta without dropping a set and reached the quarter final stage for the loss of only 8 games.  His match against Zabaleta righted a few wrongs and set him up well for his quarter final match against Gustavo Kuerten, the defending champion in Indiana.  Yes, I am not kidding you.  Tim really did have to play Guga - again!  Like the previous week, the first two sets were split 6-3, 1-6 with Tim winning the first and Guga the second.  After racing to the second set with the loss of only one game, the momentum was with the Samba swinger from Florianapolis and although Tim had chances in the third set (in fact four match points on Guga's serve) he just could not win the match.  Eventually, Guga broke him to win 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 and went on to reach the final where he had to withdraw with a chest injury. 

12 August 2001 - Tim gambled his way to Victory but Guga has the last laugh

Tim broke a psychological barrier when he beat Jan-Michael Gambill at the quarter final stage of the TMS in Cincinnati.  Having never beaten the American doublehander before, Tim had to draw on all his inner strength when he lost the opening set to Gambill - on a double fault.  However, once Tim had raced to a 4-0 lead in the second, he had broken down the resolution of his opponent and had the match within his grasp.  It was a very good "compact" approach from Tim because he produced his best tennis when he had to and in a pressured situation.  After levelling the match, there was only going to be one winner and Tim rammed his advantage home when he got an immediate break in the final set.  After 150 minutes on court, Tim's groundstrokes and his persistence at the net made the difference and he won 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Tim had a repeat of his semi final showdown from last year when he took on World No.1 Gustavo Kuerten for a place in the final.  Last year, there was only one break of serve between the players and the final set had to be settled by a penalty-shoot tie break   However, this year it was not quite so close ...... early on.  The match was disrupted early on by a torrential storm (the match was played at night under lights) and after a lengthy delay, the players returned to the court where Guga raced to the first set 6-2.  Tim turned things around to lead 5-1 in the second before rain again forced them back to the changing room and play was abandoned for the night.  When the players returned early the next day (only 10 hours later), Tim quickly completed his task of taking the second set 6-1.  The third set settled into a serving contest early on before Guga took advantage on Tim's serve to break and nearly had the match sown up.   Tim eventually managed to break back and, like last year, the match had to be settled by a breaker.  However, this time it was the Brazilian who won through and Tim was left to rue his chances.

9 August 2001 - Tim into the Quarter Finals in Cincinnati

Tim reached the final in Cincinnati last year so had a lot to live up to when he returned to Ohio this week.  Not only did he reach the final, Tim also beat World No.1s Pete Sampras and Gustavo Kuerten inside 3 days to reach that final.  This also means ranking points to defend.

However, things have started well for Tim.  He avoided some of the dangerous unseeded floaters in the opening couple of rounds and beat Michael Tabara and Hyung Taik Lee losing just 6 games each match.  With his slight back niggle still troubling him at the start of the week, nice quick matches were just what the doctor ordered. 

Then he got a third round match against Nicolas Kiefer.  This could have been a match against the guy who beat him last year, Thomas Enqvist, but the Swede lost comprehensively on Monday to Kiefer so it was the German who came through.  This match was a little bit more difficult but when Tim came through a tough first set test, he had the mental advantage to triumph in the overall result.  The score was 7-5, 6-3 and Tim will play either Jan-Michael Gambill or Guillermo Canas in the quarter finals.   Both of these players have given Tim nightmares in the past so let's hope that Tim can use his experience on this court to his advantage and reach the semi finals again.

2 August 2001 - Tim loses to Costa

Tim's Canadian Open campaign came up very short in Montreal after he lost to Albert Costa in the first round after starting winning his first round match against Paradorn Srichaphan in straight sets.  Tim's second round match should have been a relatively comfortable affair because his record against Costa was good.  However, Costa went to America after a particularly good run in Kitzbuhel when he reached the final.  It is amazing what confidence can do and Tim paid the price.  His serve was not up to its usual accurate standard and after he lost the opening set Tim was always going to have an uphill battle.  Although Tim came back to win the second set, Costa had too much firepower during the final set, in a match that was played under floodlights.

Afterwards, Tim admitted that he had suffered from back pain during the Costa match but overall this was no excuse.  Tim was quite capable of beating the Spaniard who has slipped down the rankings this year - it is just that on the night Costa was the better player.

24 July 2001 - Larri Stefanki is Tim's choice as a new coach

Yevgeny Kafelnikov's old coach, Larri Stefanki, has started his new job as Tim's new coach.  After taking a break from tennis to recharge the batteries after Wimbledon, Tim returned to training last week before meeting up with Stefanki as they start to plan Tim's US hard court campaign which begins in Montreal next week.

Stefanki is a well known coach with a list of impressive credentials including coaching John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios and latterly Yevgeny Kafelnikov.  He was responsible for Yevgeny's good run in Melbourne in 1999 when he went all the way to the title after helping Marcelo Rios to a superb run to the top of the rankings in 1998. 

Tim has said that Larry and he would be working together during the US hardcourt season and then decide how things have gone before they enter into a longer term commitment.

10 July 2001 - Tim defeated by Goran but returns to the Top 10

Part 3 of the Tim and Goran show lasted just over 20 minutes as the players returned to Centre Court on Sunday, with the scores at 2 sets apiece, Goran at 2-1 up and Tim serving.  Although Tim held serve here and his next service game, Goran was just in rampant mood.  He broke Tim's will in the 8th game and left himself serving for his 4th final appearance.  Although Tim had his opportunities, Goran's serve was just too good on the day and he won 6-3 in the final set.  

Of course, we all know what happened then - Goran went on to beat Patrick Rafter in 5 sets in what will most likely go down in history as the best men's singles final ever.   I just wish I had queued up for an unforgettable experience like that.  I would have for Tim but was at work and I probably will regret for a long time. 

However, it wasn't all bad news.  Tim's ranking has gone back up the right way and he has returned to the top 10 at 8th on both the Champions Race and the Entry System.

Although it had been advertised that Tim's next tournament would be Los Angeles, he has decided to take a rest period and will return to action in Montreal for the Canadian Open - Tennis Masters Series, which starts on Monday 30th July.

7 July 2001 - Tim is still on the verge of Destiny.....

Rain, rain, go away - come back Tuesday (at the earliest!) But then again thanks for raining today.... because it does mean that the final will be played on Monday - PEOPLE'S DAY all over again (remember the Haarhuis match!?!) but this time it will be for the silverware! Tim can do it. Everyone must have positive thoughts from now until after 1 pm on Sunday.....

Tim goes to bed for a second day wondering if he will finally fulfil his life-time ambition and reach the final at Wimbledon..... Friday was a brilliant part 1. The first set was extremely close and Tim's only slip up came at the very end of the set when he lost his serve to lose the set 5-7. He immediately regrouped and played superb tennis in the second set and in the ensuing tie break. Goran had the advantage in the breaker but Tim turned it around and played one of the best tie breaks I have seen him play to win.

At this point, Goran's fuse blew and the "good Goran", "bad Goran" and "911 Emergency Goran" all seemed to leave him and fly back to Croatia because Tim turned the screw and won the third set 6-0 in just 14 minutes. One guy at the tennis (nameless but watches a lot of tennis) said he saw Tim play as well as he thought he could play against Federer but he was playing even better yesterday... And that really is a compliment TIM!

And we all know what happened next... In the early stages of the fourth set Tim was leading 3-2 when the rain came and that was that....

Saturday was extremely depressing. It only rained just enough to stop play but it was hardly wet rain at all. (Mizzle!) Eventually just after 5.30 it was dry enough to play and the Tim and Goran show started all over again.  With the score at 2-3 and 40-30 Goran came up with his signature shot - an Ace - and things were back level again.  No more breaks of serve and another tie break...  Goran played a blinder and won the breaker 7-5 to level things up. 

The fifth set started with the mizzle coming down again and it was not long before things were called off, with the score at 2-1 to Goran and Tim serving 30-15.  Its now up to Tim but I am sure he still believes he can win this one.  One more point.... Tim looked far more relaxed when he left tonight than Goran who looked rather stressed.

GO TIM.  GO HENMAN.  GO BRITAIN. 

Six years I saw the birth of Henmania when Tim served those two aces against Kafelnikov at match point down and I said then that one day he would win Wimbledon.  I still believe that.  Over the years Tim has made great strides but this year could be that year. 

4 July 2001 - US Independence Day and Tim shows that Independence is best

Tim prepared to start his quarter final today, already in the knowledge that he would not have to face Marat Safin the current US Open champion and Russian prodigy but Goran Ivanisevic if (and when) he beat Roger Federer. The Croat is wild in more ways than one, for starters he got a wildcard to play in the tournament but then there are the good, bad and emergency Gorans for him to call on.

Tim started well and took the early break of serve which he kept until the very latter stages of the first set when Federer started to find his feet. But at 5-5, Tim turned up the pressure again and got another break which eventually gave him the set 7-5.  The second set was altogether a heavy weight tussle which had to be settled by a tie break.   Neither player made headway on the others serve during the set and it was just one lucky lob that was inch perfect that made the difference.  Federer had led the breaker 6-3 but in the end, Tim won it 8-6 but let the two set advantage go to his head in the third set.  It was perhaps understandable that he had a slight concentration slip after such a tight set but things went a little too far when he allowed Roger to get his foot back in the door, create his own run of games and grab a set back. 

The fourth set was all Tim at the start as he upped the pace right at the start to create his own run to lead 4-1 and then 5-2.  Tim served for the match at 5-3 but somehow managed to let things slip again and Federer had renewed confidence as he broke back and held serve to bring things level again.  Another tie break beckoned and again it was Roger who seemed to have the momentum as he took the early lead.   However, this is where the crowd support for Tim really came in.  The clammer at courtside gave Tim the extra impetus to really go for it.  Tim had his first match point at 6-5 but a superb return passing shot from the Swiss prodigy's racket meant the players changed ends at 6-6.  Another error by Federer gave Tim another match point and this time it was the 19 year old who erred at the very end to leave Tim with his 7-5, 7-6, 2-6, 7-6 victory and a place in the semi finals again.  Tim's first reaction on reaching the semis - "I am really glad I'm not going to be playing Sampras!"

Goran Ivanisevic will have to hold all the aces to stand a chance because Tim has beaten the Croat on every occasion they have played.  In the other semi, Agassi and Rafter came through their respective quarter finals to set up their traditional semi final meeting.  Agassi won their encounter in 1999 on No.1 Court because of rain whilst Rafter settled matters last year in what wast he match of the tournament.  This time it will be interesting to see who produces the best tennis on the day (and the same can be said of Tim and Goran).  One thing is for sure there are four good grass courters and hard hitters in the final four - and for only the second time in the last 10 years, the final four will be without the presence of the mighty Pete! 

3 July 2001 - Tim gains Martin revenge and breaks the "3rd July" Jinx

Ever since 1997, Tim has lost at Wimbledon on 3rd July.  First it was to Stich in the Quarters, then Sampras in the Semis in 1998 and 1999 and last year Tim was on the receiving end to the Philippoussis' bombardment.  On Monday night it looked highly lightly that Tim would have to settle for second place as he trailed Todd Martin 2 sets to 1 overnight and he knew that there was no room for errors, slow starts and that he would have to produce something very special when he and Todd returned to Centre Court today between the ladies quarter finals and he did just that. 

He was faster out of the blocks, and if anything it was Martin who was dragging his feet.  Tim broke in the 6th game of the 4th set and from here he did not look back, winning the set 6-3.  At two sets all, the momentum had swung and Todd Martin began to look tired and act his age of nearly 31.  The final set was all Tim.  After the first four games,  Tim took total control and did not let his opponent get a look in.  He reeled off the final four games to take the match 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 and reach his third semi final in 4 years.  There he would face Roger Federer, the Swiss teenager who has finally broke Sampras' grasp from the gold cup which is presented to the winner on the finals day.  Tim's task against Roger won't be easy but he has the satisfying thought of a winning record against the Swiss prodigy who won the Junior singles title back in 1998, when Tim first reached the semis of the main event.

29 June 2001 - Tim forced to fight from a set down to reach Wimbledon's 2nd Week

The end of the first week of Wimbledon is usually when things start to get a little more difficult for the main players.  With the first two rounds over, the draw is down to the 64 players who are on form.  Tim's third round opponent was Sjeng Schalken (one of the extra 16 seeds ranked between 17 and 32) and he is not new to grass.  He had reached the third round of the last two Wimbledon Championships and only lost in titanic matches against first Jim Courier in 1999 and Mark Philippoussis in 2000.  I think he was probably hoping that for him it would be third time lucky.  However, in reality it was a slightly harder prospect than expected. 

Tim already knew that Sjeng can be a very tricky customer because the Dutchman has had some very notable results in the last year.  They played at Roland Garrros just last month but this time the surface was much more to both players liking.  Sjeng matched Tim shot for shot during the first set and as the mostly British crowd watched with rising anxiety, the Dutchman broke Tim's serve and took the first set 7-5.  The first 5 games of the second set went with serve and the crowd were beginning to realise that things were not exactly going Tim's way.  A couple of loose shots changed the momemtum and Tim suddenly managed to get his first break of serve to take a 4-2 lead and then completed the set 6-4.  With things back on an even keel,. the Union Jack waving crowd came into their own.  Tim rose to the occasion and was in the ascendancy thereafter.  Schalken fought as hard as he could but Tim just had too many shots in his ammunition.  The third set was just about the final nail in Sjeng's coffin as Tim took a lead for the first time in the match and the fourth set was soon over to put Tim into the 4th Round for the 6th straight year. 

The final score was 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 and Tim now faces a Wimbledon rematch against the 1996 semi finalist Todd Martin.  Although the American has had loads of injury problems over the years, he can never be counted out on grass because it is the surface that best suits his power serve/volley game.  Every time I see him he seems to have more bandages visible than bare skin!  Tim will have to have his wits about him on Monday!

27 June 2001 - Tim wins Battle of Brits

Tim made smooth progress at Wimbledon when he won his second round match against fellow Davis Cup team member, Martin Lee.  Although there is quite a difference in ranking between the two players, Tim did not make quite such short work of Martin as he did against the Russian just two days earlier but he still managed to complete victory in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.  Martin was obviously affected by nerves at the start of the match and did not seem to settle until Tim was well into his stride.  With the first set already under his belt, Tim looked like he was feeling a little uncomfortable at beating his British colleague so easily and relaxed a bit.  Martin started to play a little better but Tim was still the superior player on court and ran away with his victory to reach the third round yet again.  There he was due to play Sjeng Schalken.

25 June 2001 - Tim makes very short work of Derepasko

Tim slipped up just once in his opening round match against Artem Derepasko.  Tim got an immediate break of serve but then lost his own service game before turning up the heat to win 5 games in a row to take the set 6-1.  The second and third sets were just as effective for Tim because he only conceded 2 more games before he had a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 victory and was through to Round 2 for the 7th successive year. 

23 June 2001 - Tim Scheduled to play on Court 2

Tim has been scheduled to play on Wimbledon's court 2 on Monday.  It is the first time since 1995 that he will have played on this court (maybe he needs a map to get there!)  He will be second on court after Serena Williams.  Although I am going to be at Wimbledon most days this week, I hope to keep the website roughly up to date - but some of the gossip may well be on the Message Board rather than the News Page.

21 June 2001 - Tim up against Artem Derepasko (reminds me a bit of R2D2...!!)

Tim's first round opponent at Wimbledon has been decided.  He will play Russian qualifier Artem Derepasko, probably on Monday.  Although none of us will have heard of AD, please remember that he has played and won 3 grass court qualifying matches in the last 4 days so he will be well used to the grass by it comes to next week.  I don't really know much about AD but he is ranked outside the top 200, never qualified let alone played an ATP main tour event and never been further than the quarter finals in a Challenger.   

18 June 2001 - Wimbledon seedings released

Tim has been promoted from his current 11th place in the rankings to a seeding position of 6.  This elevation is attributed to Tim's renouned success on the surface.  For the first time ever, there will be 32 seeds and they shape up as below:

1. Pete Sampras, 2. Andre Agassi, 3. Patrick Rafter, 4. Marat Safin, 5. Lleyton Hewitt, 6. TIM, 7. Yevgeny Kafelnikov, 8. Juan Carlos Ferrero, 9. Sebastien Grosjean, 10. Thomas Enqvist, 11. Thomas Johansson, 12. Jan-Michael Gambill, 13. Arnaud Clement, 14. Wayne Ferreira, 15. Roger Federer, 16. Vladamir Voltchokov, 17. Tommy Haas, 18. Magnus Norman, 19. Nicolas Kiefer, 20. Fabrice Santoro, 21. Carlos Moya, 22. Dominik Hrbaty, 23. Todd Martin, 24. Nicolas Escude, 25. Albert Portas, 26. Sjeng Schalken, 27. Hicham Arazi, 28. Franco Squillari, 29. Guillermo Coria, 30. Nicolas Lapentti, 31. Albert Martin, 32. Gaston Gaudio

17 June 2001 - Tim reaches final again at Queens

Tim had a very busy day at Queens today when he was forced to play two singles matches.  Things started just after 11 am when he played his semi final against Wayne Ferreira in pretty cold, windy conditions and he worked hard from the start.  Tim got the early break of serve and raced to a 5-3 lead before things went slightly off the rails, and he lost 5 games in a row to lose the set.  The second set was a tough battle for both players but Tim got the vital break to level the set.  The final set was all one sided - and Tim ran away the winner 5-7, 6-4, 6-2. 

The other semi final was played simultaneously on Court 1 where Pete Sampras played Lleyton Hewitt.  As I only live 10 minutes away, I went along and paid £5 for the privilege to see the semi final (knowing that to see Tim I would have had to pay at least £57 which is extortionate.  The Pete/Lleyton match proved to be a real heavyweight tussle with the Australian winning in 3 sets.  Pete just isn't the player he was last year but I don't think anyone should count him out when play begins at the All England Club in 10 days time.

Fortunately, I met up with a friend who had got a ticket but at the last minute could not stay for the final and gave it to me.  He did not want any money for it so I got to see a semi final and the final for the bargain price of £5 (plus £2 for an extortionate Capaccino - £1 per gulp literally!)  Incidently the guy sitting next to me had paid £75 for his ticket so I feel somewhat lucky!

The final was played out in less than ideal conditions.  It was cold, damp and the dark clouds circled all afternoon.  It was extremely cold for the spectators but the tennis more than made up for it.  Tim started well but could just not break the Australian in the early stages.  Tim's first serve was not exactly up to scratch but his second serve delivery meant he was hanging in there.  Tim held serve for 6-5 when the spots became more of a drizzle and the players ran for cover.  Things came to a halt but no real rain and about 10 minutes later the players were back.  Slightly unsettled Lleyton fluffed the first two points of his serve but Tim could not take advantage and the set was settled by a tie break which went in Lleyton's favour. 

The Australian had the bit well and truly in his teeth and as the second set started, he raised his game and things started to look a bit ominous.  Tim was forced to fight really hard to hold serve each time and did not really make much headway on Lleyton's service games.  With the games scores mounting, Tim was playing catch up every time until he suddenly broke Lleyton's serve in the 9th game.  All he had to do was hold serve to take the set but he immediately slipped up and was broken back.  Two more games later the score was 6-6 - thus another tie break.  This breaker was not quite so one sided but Tim still came off second best and it was Lleyton who received the rather "large" trophy from the Duchess of Gloucester and Tim had to settle for an envelope (which probably didn't even have a check inside!)

However, I think that Tim will have been very happy with his performance this week and even before the final had finished, I am sure his thoughts were already turning to Wimbledon. 

15 June 2001 - Tim remains on course for Queens Final

Although not serving quite as well as the day before, Tim still managed to breeze through his quarter final against Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan earlier today.  After a break of service apiece in the early stages, Tim had more chances but the set was finally settled in a tie break.  Having played 3 consecutive tie breaks against Wayne Arthurs, Tim was more than prepared for battle.  He ripped through the breaker and once he had the first set under his belt, Tim forged ahead in the second set, helped by the support of the pro-British crowd.  Tim won 7-6, 6-3 and remained on course to make his second final appearance in three years. 

In the semi finals Tim faces South African Wayne Ferreira which will be no pushover.   Although Ferreira is an ex-champion on the grass at the Stella Artois, Tim beat Wayne in their last competitive match but that was over 2 years ago and is not really a good indication of form.  But he knows Wayne's game very well because they often practice together on the Tour and of course they are two of the top golfers! 

In the other semi final, it will be a battle of the very heavy weights as current Queens champion Lleyton Hewitt takes on Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras.  Incidently this is a repeat of last year's final and the semi final of 1999 - which was when Tim made the final!

14 June 2001 - Tim beats Wayne Arthurs but has to do it the hard way!

Tim had to come back from a set down to beat Australian Wayne Arthurs to progress into the Quarter Finals at Queens again as he attempts to collect his first grass court title and his second at home. Both players served extremely well and as a result there were no breaks of serve throughout the match. Each set had to be settled by a tie break. 

Wayne won the first tie break 7-5 and eventually Tim levelled up in the second 8-6 and eventually he managed to just squeek it out in a third consecutive tie break 7-4.   His reward will be a quarter final against Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, but with Marat Safin defeated today, Tim's path to the latter stages is opening up!

10 June 2001 - Queens News Update

With a seeding of 4, Tim gets a first round bye at Queens this week.  This means he will not have to play until at least Tuesday.   There he probably faces a tough task against grass court expert Goran Ivanisevic, if Goran comes through his first round match against one of the lucky qualifiers.

2 June 2001 - Tim suffers another 5 set defeat in Paris

For the third year running, Tim failed to get past the third round hurdle at the French Open, and the longer he struggles to get past this stage, the harder it will become.  Having taken the first set against Guillermo Canas 6-4, the Argentinian struck back to take the second and third sets and left Tim playing catch up.  However, Tim gave it his very best shot and so very nearly came up triumphant.  He took the fourth set and matched Canas shot for shot in the final set.  With the score at 5-5, luck was obviously on Canas' side because he was able to hold serve and broke Tim to complete a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 victory. 

Canas had been responsible for one of Tim's worst defeats in Grand Slams when he beat the Briton in straight sets at the 1999 US Open and this had been Tim's chance at revenge.   However it was not meant to be.  Tim has had some bad results on clay but this was not really one of them.  He came so close and deserved to win, it was just frustrating that when things really mattered that Canas produced the goods. 

Tim's mind now turns to the grass court season and I am sure he will be hoping for some victories at Queens Club as he prepares to do battle at his 8th Wimbledon.  It will be the first time Tim has played on the grass at home without a coach but he remains upbeat about his chances.  It will not be totally ideal for Tim but I am sure he will make the best of it. 

30 May 2001 - Tim makes mincemeat of the Dutchman

Tim had some tight spots against Sjeng Schalken in the first set but from then on it was plain sailing.   The first 8 games went with serve but then Tim showed his superior skills to take the first set 6-4.  After this, he upped the pace, came to the net more and finished off the match 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in just over two hours.  With this victory, Tim made the third round at Roland Garros for the third year running.  Let's hope he can break his fourth round duck when he plays Argentinian Guillaume Canas on Friday. 

On the evidence of his match against Sjeng, Tim seems to be enjoying the speed of the courts and balls so hopefully he can make progress and reach the second week of the French Grand Slam for the first time.  The Canas match looks set to take place on Friday.

28 May 2001 - Tim beats Behrend

After losing his first service game, Tim ripped through the first set winning 6 games in a row (6-1) before he gave German Tomas Behrend the same treatment to win set two (6-2).  Tim seemed to have the upper hand on Behrend's serve throughout the third set and kept breaking serve.  However, he was so focussed on breaking that he obviously lost sight of the importance of holding his own serve and every time he broke, Behrend broke back.  It was frustrating because the German was in a purple patch and Tim seemed to be losing the initiative when he lost the third set 7-5.  However, Tim was so cross at losing his way that he hit back immediately and did not let the German get another game.  Eventually he won 6-1, 6-2, 5-7, 6-0 and now faces Dutchman Sjeng Schalken in the second round - probably on Wednesday.

26 May 2001 - Tim to play Qualifier in Paris

Tim has been seeded 11 for this year's French Open which begins on Monday.  He has been drawn against German Qualifier, Tomas Behrend, in the first round.  If he can negotiate this match successfully, he faces a second round encounter with either Sjeng Schalken or Paul Goldstein.

14 May 2001 - Tim loses to Burgsmuller

Tim produced a lack lustre performance in the first round of the TMS event in Hamburg against German wild card Lars Burgsmuller earlier today.  He went down in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, almost completing his preparation for the French Open which begins in a fortnight. 

He will be in doubles action tomorrow with partner Todd Martin against seeded opposition so it remains to be seen if they can win.  Personally I am surprised that Tim and Greg have once again failed to play together; with the doubles being such an important element of the Davis Cup in September, I would think they needed to get some practice.  But if they don't really want to give themselves a chance - what am I to say about it?

13 May 2001 - Hamburg Draw News

Tim is seeded 9 and has been drawn to play German Lars Burgsmuller in the first round of the Tennis Masters Series in Hamburg which starts on Monday. He will be hoping for a good run this week because it is his final tournament of preparation before the French Open which begins later this month.

Tim's match against Burgsmuller is third up on the Centre Court tomorrow and he will also be pairing up with Todd Martin in the doubles event.  (Still no practice with Greg?)  They have a tough opening match against Ellis Ferreira and Jaryd Palmer the 6th seeds.  However, they will not have to play doubles before Tuesday or Wednesday.

10 May 2001 - Tim defeated in Rome

As a result of several long matches earlier in the day, Tim did not get on court to play his second round match against the Frenchman, Julian Boutter, until after 9 pm on Wednesday evening. The balls were heavy, the atmosphere cold, heavy and wet and ensured that Tim would have a very difficult time as he tried to win through to the third round in the Eternal City for the first time. The players split the first two sets after Tim had won the opening set 6-2 and Boutter levelled up with time getting on. The climax of the final set came at the witching hour of midnight and unfortunately it was Boutter who got the decisive break of serve and won a tight struggle 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

8 May 2001 - Tim beats Costa Again

Tim raced through the first set of his first round match with Albert Costa, winning it 6-2. He seemed to suffer from a slip in concentration in the second and allowed Albert to come back, taking it 6-3. This should have led to an very exciting final set with both players battling it out for supremacy. However, this was not so because Tim suddenly upped the pace and he was allowed to get an early break and from then on he did not look back. Costa threw a complete "wobbly" as the set went on and even got a warning for being coached from the stands. Eventually Tim allowed him to hold serve but only the once!

There was a slight note of controversy on the last point when Tim's final winner landed bang on the line. Tim was a little stunned and thought Costa would ask for the mark to be checked so did not start celebrating too early. The two players met at the net and Tim asked if Albert wanted the mark checked. Instead, Albert looked resigned in defeat and just held out his hand and Tim grasped it, very relieved to have completed a hard fought, well deserved victory, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. In the second round he played Julian Boutter.

5 May 2001 - Rome Draw News

Tim will be back in action on the ATP Tour this week in the Tennis Masters Series event in Rome.  Seeded 9, Tim has been drawn against Albert Costa in the first round.   I am sure that Tim will be hoping to get a few more victories under his belt following his magnificent run to the quarter finals in Monte Carlo.  Incidently Tim beat Albert Costa at that tournament and will be feeling confident that he can do it again.  With the French Open coming up later this month (as well as the little matter of a Davis Cup tie in Ecuador in September), Tim will probably be taking part in the doubles event as well to get as much practice on the red clay as possible.

2 May 2001 - Davis Cup Venue Announced

The Ecuadorian Tennis Federation today announced that the Club National in Guayaquil will be venue for Great Britain's play off tie against Ecuador in September.  The city is no surprise as it is where Nicolas and Giovanni are from - in fact all the main tennis players in Ecuador - but the National Club is not perhaps the usual venue for Davis Cup ties in this country.  The Guayaquil Tennis Club (more central) has been a frequent venue for Ecuadorian Davis Cup ties in previous years but this time it was felt that the Club National were better equipped to handle a tie of this nature.   Incidently, Ecuador have hosted 3 Davis Cup ties at the Club National (against Brazil, Uraquay and Holland) and have not yet managed to win one!  

[Personally I am a little surprised they have not chosen Quito (the capital of Ecuador) as the host city since the national soccer side is having a great run of success there.   When Ecuador beat the Brits last year in the Davis Cup, the Ecuadorian national football side drew on their compariots' success in tennis and are well on the way to qualifying for the World Cup 2002.  Out of the matches played so far in the South American league (all 10 countries in that continent) they are curent third behind just Argentina and Paraguay.  So far this year the team has already beaten Brazil and Paraguay and are improving with every match.  Will the fever of success still be flowing for the tennis team in September?  Only Tim and Greg can do something about it!]

20 April 2001 - Arazi stops Tim's run in Monte Carlo

Tim's winning run on the clay courts of Monaco's Country Club came to an end today when he was beaten in the quarter finals of the current Tennis Masters Series event by Hicham Arazi.  However, Tim's patience and determination deserves special mention.   Having never won more than two matches in a row on clay before this week, Tim's patience in the face of adversity was fantastic today against Arazi.  Their battle was by far the best match of the tournament so far and lasted nearly three hours. 

Although Arazi drew first blood and got the first break of the match, Tim never gave up and the the set eventually had to be settled by a tie break. Unfortunately the Morrocan just managed to take advantage and when he took a 2-0 lead in the second things looked ominous.  However, Tim didn't give up and took six consecutive games to level things up 6-2 after 2 hours of battle.  Although Arazi was definitely in a crisis, he came out of it to take another lead (3-0) at the start of the final set.  The "metronom" then swung back Tim's way again as he levelled up 3-3 and things were getting incredibly tense.  The match could have gone either way.  Tim saved match points in the 10th game when he served to save the match but when it came to a second tie break, Arazi used his greater experience on the clay to triumph.  7-6, 2-6, 7-6 and it is he who will take on Sebastien Grosjean in the semi final tomorrow.  

All in all it has been a really pleasing week for Tim.  He seems to have taken the absence of David Felgate in his stride and has faced his challenges head on.  He has beaten three good clay courters, Santoro, Gaudio and Costa and this will have done his confidence no end of good.  The reward is a fortnight off - which Tim will no doubt be spending in London - and Tim will be spending the time considering his position with regard to a new coach. 

19 April 2001 - Tim wins again

Tim beat Albert Costa today.  Not unusual I hear you say.  However, this is something of a first for Tim for several reasons..  1) He won a third match in a row on clay for the FIRST TIME EVER 2) Tim beat a Spaniard on their favourite surface!   3) Tim beat Costa in their first match on clay! 4) Tim progresses to the quarter finals of a Tennis Masters Event for the first time since he reached the same stage in Hamburg in 1999!  

Overall Tim seems to have finally got to grips with the red clay and seems to have found the necessary patience and confidence to win on the surface.  He lost the first set 6-2 but fought hard in the second and eventually got his reward by winning the second set tie break (8-6).  After this, Costa's resistence had vanished and Tim was able to finish off the match comfortably 2-6, 7-6, 6-1

Tim's reward could have been a match against the defending champion, Cedric Pioline but instead he will play Hicham Arazi after the Moroccan beat Pioline to progress to the quarter finals.  Their match is scheduled second after Coria and Alberto Martin.  

18 April 2001 - Tim still progressing in Monte Carlo

Tim had mixed success on the tennis court today.  He won his second round match against Gaston Gaudio in straight sets 6-4, 6-2 but then Tim and Magnus lost in the doubles.  However, they were not beaten easily and the boys took the first set before losing 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.  Tim's match against Gaston took place on the second court in Monte Carlo and because of TV/video problems I can't tell you much about it.   However, I do know that he will have had to play pretty well (and dictate the pace) in order to beat Gaston because the young Argentinian has been playing pretty well in the last couple of months and has loads of confidence.  Tim's won two clay court matches in a row before but never three... so tomorrow will be a good test.  He plays Albert Costa for a place in the quarter finals.  Let's hope that a coachless Tim can continue this run..

17 April 2001 - Tim avenges his defeat to Santoro

Tim has won his opening matches in both the singles and doubles events in Monte Carlo which puts him on the track to success on clay.  He beat Fabrice Santoro today 6-3, 6-0 - much like he did in Rome in 1998, whilst the wild card pair of Tim and Magnus came from set down to beat a local French pair 6-7, 6-1, 6-2.  The order of play has Tim playing twice tomorrow.  In singles, Tim will have a very tough task as he plays on form Argentinian Gaston Gaudio and later Tim and Magnus take the doubles court again against good Aussie pair of Josh Eagle and Andrew Florent.

16 April 2001 - Monte Carlo Draw News

Just one week into life without David Felgate, Tim has been drawn against one of the three players who must have figured in the final decision to part company with his coach of nine years - Fabrice Santoro.  They will be in action tomorrow in the Monte Carlo principality as will Greg against Andrei Pavel from Romania.  Tim has also taken the decision to get in some much needed doubles practice by teaming up with Magnus Norman at the 3rd Tennis Masters Series events of the year.  I think the decision to play doubles is much more to do with Davis Cup than anything else but we will see if Tim and Maggie can succeed on the clay like Tim did with Olivier Delaitre at the same event two years ago.

11 April 2001 - Estoril Update & Davis Cup News

There's good news and bad news:  First the good news:

Tim practice on clay for just over one hour on Tuesday before he took on Stefan Koubek in Estoril.  He won 6-1, 6-4 and got his clay court season off to a flying start.   Tim is presently flying solo - coachless - and this factor did not seem to effect him.  However this success did not last long.  He came up against Felix Mantilla in the next round and got "splatted" 7-5, 6-1.    Better luck next week Tim in Monte Carlo where the points have to count!

Now for the bad news:  - Davis Cup

Team GB's worst nightmare happened yesterday when they were awarded with an away tie against - you've guessed it - Ecuador, in the World Group Play-Offs in September.   Britain could have had no end of horrible ties but to end up having to face the likes of the Lapentti brothers again so soon after last year's debacle is the stuff of nightmares.  Evidently the usual quiet atmosphere in the draw became one of laughter and irony yesterday when Ecuador's name came out of the hat.  It is the LTA's worst nightmare! 

Having lost a home tie against Team Lapentti last summer on grass, at Wimbledon, Team GB will have to travel to Guayaquil and play in the backyard of the Lapenttis as they battle to get back into the world group.  The surface will most definitely be clay - the slowest clay they can find and Tim and Greg will have to be extremely patient.   Britain will go into the tie as the underdogs but remember tennis is such an unsual sport - anything can happen - look what Ecuador did last year! 

9 April 2001 - IMPORTANT STOP PRESS - Tim and David Felgate decide to split up

After 8 years of travelling the world together, Tim has finally decided to part company with his coach David Felgate.  IMG posted the announcement this evening as Tim prepares for his opening match in Estoril, where he is seeded second and plays Stefan Koubek.

The press release said that the split was a mutual agreement between the two tennis personalities and the final decision was taken following Tim's lack of success in America during March 2001.  Tim said that David had made a significant impact on his tennis career and that the parting was mutual.  

There is no new coach on the horizon at present and Tim has said he will be travelling on the ATP Tour alone for a period while he works out the next steps.  If Pat Rafter can travel coachless then Tim certainly can!  Personally I think it is definitely the right decision for Tim's tennis career and I hope he considers the situation fully before tying himself up with a new coach.  Kieron Vorster was Wayne Ferreria's coach and fitness trainer before he went to Tim so maybe he can do both jobs for Henners!

9 April 2001 - Play-Off News

After doing the research last night I can now tell you the draw news for September.   Of the 15 other teams in the draw this is how they pan out for where possible ties take place:

Certain home ties (the good news first): Czechs, Slovaks, Belgium (3)
Certain away ties Argentina, Chile, Italy, India, Ecuador, USA, Romania and Spain (8)
Ties drawn by lot: (4) Belarusia, Croatia, Uzbekistan, Morocco

The seeded teams are likely to be USA, Spain, Czechs, Slovaks, GB, Italy, Belgium and Argentina.  If this is the case, GB will have to play one of the following : - Chile*, India, Ecuador, Romania, Belarusia, Croatia, Uzbekistan or Morocco.  Of these the first 4 would be away, the next 4 drawn by lot.

Looking on the bright side, it is possible that if we draw Chile they would have to travel to Britain because I am sure they are still banned from playing Davis Cup ties at home during this year (and possibly next year too!)

More news when available! 

8 April 2001 - GB win DC tie 5-0

As predicted, Roger Taylor decided to give Tim and Greg a break from action on the final day of the DC tie.  The younger members of the British team needed to get used to the unique Davis Cup experience when the tension was not so great.  And Martin Lee and Lee Childs both rose to the occasion, beating their respective opponents in straight sets.  Martin Lee beat Van Grichen 6-2, 6-0 whilst Lee Childs also triumphed against de Sousa 6-1, 6-4. 

7 April 2001 - Tim and Greg win doubles

Tim and Greg played together in only their fourth Davis Cup tie and beat the Portugese pair of Couto and Van Grichen in straight sets.  They sprinted through the opening set with very little opposition and won it 6-1, however the Portugese pair relaxed and found their rhythm in the second and third sets and managed to take their British opponents to a tie break in each case.  However the result was never really in doubt and the Brits won 6-1, 7-6, 7-6 and put the tie beyond any possible doubt.  It left the way clear to give the younger guys a chance to play on Sunday.

6 April 2001 - Team GB race ahead

Tim wasted no time on court earlier today when he beat de Sousa in straight sets.   In fact he was on court for only 90 minutes including the warm up!  De Sousa who was ranked in the 900s knew he was in for a beating but perhaps he had thought he might get more games.  Tim allowed his opponent just 4 games in his 78 minute assassination, 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.  He then left the way clear for Greg to do his bit against the Portugese Number one, Emanuel Couto.  Although Greg lost a set (on a tie break) he also came away with an easy triumph, 6-3 6-7 6-1 6-2 and if the boys can wrap it up in the doubles tomorrow, they can have some fun on Sunday!

5 April 2001 - Davis Cup starts tomorrow

Tim is scheduled to start Team Great Britain's 2001 challenge to get back into the World Group tomorrow.  He plays the Portugese No.2 player Tiago Vinhas de Sousa starting at midday to be followed by Greg against the Portugese no.1 Emanuel Couto.   (Couto was incidently on the last Portugese team to take on GB in Davis Cup so revenge would be nice).  Tim and Greg are set to take on Couto and Van Grichen in the doubles on Saturday (starting at 2 pm after the official presentation ceremony) and the reverse singles rubbers take place on Sunday (playing starting on 1 pm).

4 April 2001 - US Hardcourt Round Up

March 2001 was a mixed month for Tim but one he will probably want to forget.

During the US spring hardcourt leg of the tour last year he performed really well, produced high quality tennis and some fine results. [He was Runner-Up in Scottsdale and reached the Quarter Finals at Miami where he lost to Andre Agassi (we won’t talk about the fact that he had match point and double faulted!)] So this year he went into the same tournaments with a fair few points to defend!

Scottsdale

Returning for a second successive year to Scottsdale, Tim went into the tournament with his confidence pretty high having won the tournament in Copenhagen during February. His first match against Albert Costa took centre stage in the first night session in the Arizona desert and to be frank - IT WAS FREEZING!  Thankfully Tim obviously felt the cold too and raced through in just over 50 minutes only letting the Spaniard have 3 games.   Afterwards he was interviewed on court and the MC asked him what he liked about Scottsdale and Tim answered that the golf courses were particularly attractive....   (There are about 50 courses in the locality!). 

Tuesday was a day of upsets - thankfully Tim was not among them as he spent the afternoon on one of the local golf courses.  Sampras lost to Ilie and Agassi lost to Clavet.  Tim actually practiced with Pete before the American played his match and I remember commenting at the time that Pete looked slow and stale and I was not too surprised when he lost.  The forecasted rain held off until the end of play that evening but overnight the place was deluged and the rain did not stop all Wednesday morning.  Definitely back to Wimbledon weather!  Him upstairs must have been thinking I was missing the Rain - NOT! 

Tim was due to play on the Wednesday and when the rain eventually stopped just after lunchtime the fool-hardy amongst us decided to brave the cold and turn up at the tennis centre.  We were in time to see the courts being squiggied and mopped dry.  Tim eventually got on court about 4 pm and although it was still relatively damp, he took apart another Spaniard - German Puentes - in the first set, taking it 6-1 before Puentes found his feet - took a lead in the second and looked to have the set tied up.   However serving for it at 5-3 up, Puentes slipped up and Tim capitalised.  He broke back and his experience told as he tied up the match 6-1, 7-5.  This was my last day in Scottsdale as our group started to break up and I headed up to Palm Springs for the Indian Wells event. 

Tim obviously couldn't do without my support because he lost his quarter final against Harel Levy and from what I was told by friends who witnessed it, Levy played superbly and Tim was just not able to get himself into contention.  For the statistics, he lost 2-6, 4-6.  But it was disappointing because with Pete and Andre out of the tournament, Tim did have a good chance to go all the way to the final - if not win the thing! 

Indian Wells

Tim's performances in the hot Californian desert were scrappy to say the least.   In the first round he was very lucky indeed to come through a battle with Rainer Schuettler (the German who beat Tim in the Doha final in 1999).  Tim tied up the first set 6-2 and should have won the second easily but somehow he contrived to lose it.   It was a great misjudgement because Schuettler broke to lead in the final set too and it was just ugly tennis that kept Tim in contention.  I sat watching from the sidelines and quite frankly Tim was not really in control again until the sudden death final set tie break.  Fortunately he grasped the initiative just in time and took the breaker 7-4 and progressed to the next round, winning 6-2, 5-7, 7-6.  However he knew he would have to play better against Cedric Pioline if he was to remain in contention.

I don't know what got into Tim in the second round.  He must have got out of bed on the wrong side - he threw a complete wobbly at nearly everyone on court, the umpire, the linesmen, the cameramen and even the photographers - who were only doing their job.   However, he managed to direct his anger in the right direction and finished off Pioline in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 and set up a match against either Nico Lapentti or Jonas Bjorkman (who were due to play later in the day).  In his post match press conference, Tim said he would prefer to play Nicolas because he had such a good record against him! (Perhaps he would like to change his mind now!)

As it turned out, Tim played his third round against Nico Lapentti and did not really play up to the standard that he usually can.  Although he broke Nico's serve in the second game, he failed to hold his own serve for a 3-0 lead and as soon as he was broken it gave Nico a chance.  The Ecuadorian played an uncanny game - quite unlike Tim had been expecting.  He was not able to dictate the points at all and Nico was using every spin known to man as he pinned Tim on the baseline.  Nico dictated the pace of the match and broke Tim again in the 9th game and eventually served out the set 6-4.   This in itself was unexpected because Nico had not managed to win a set off Tim in their 3 previous meetings.  The second set was played in much the same fashion. Tim was trying to grasp the initiative but kept drawing a blank.  Neither player served particularly well but it was the Ecuadorian who was always in the ascendancy.  Tim was broken again towards the end of the second set and in a matter of minutes Nico was serving for the match, which he did winning 6-4, 6-4.  It was most definitely Nico's day and the smile of satisfaction on his face after the final point showed just how much victory meant.

Miami

Miami was another bad experience for Tim.  Having had a week to prepare, things fell rather flat when Tim failed to make it past his first match.  Having quarter final points to defend from 2000, Tim had been hoping for another fine run to make up for the shortfall in California but Fabrice Santoro had other ideas.

Tim had a bye into the second round and when Santoro came through the lottery of the first round, Tim knew he should win this match because he had a winning record against the Frenchman.

Although it was hardwork, things went to plan in the first set.  Tim broke serve early in the third game and maintained the advantage throughout, winning the set 6-4.   The first 7 games of the second set went with serve before Tim was broken in the 8th game (3-5).  Santoro had a chance to level up but failed when Tim broke back immediately and held serve to love for 5-5.  A tie break loomed which should have been Tim's saving grace.  However it was not and Tim somehow lost the initiative again, losing the breaker on a double fault and frankly things went downhill from then on in.  Tim was broken early in the final set and when he had to serve to save the match at 3-5 down, he failed and Santoro triumphed on the day.

Looking back on it, I think Tim must have been very disappointed with his last two performances because they were matches that he could (and should) have won.  I only hope that Tim gets himself out of this "rut" soon.  Hopefully playing front of the home crowd at Davis Cup will help to pull him through because ahead is the clay court season which is traditionally Tim's toughest part of the season.

[And that was it for me for Brit watching because Greg also departed early the next day when he lost in straight sets to David Prinosil.]

23 February 2001 - Break time!

Well that is what Tim will be having for the next week or so!  He lost his second round match to Nicolas Escude yesterday 6-3, 7-5 and will have a few days off before flying to Arizona to start practicing for the Franklin Templeton in Scottsdale which starts on 5th March.  With Pete, Andre, Lleyton and Rios there, Tim will certainly be up against stiff competition.

22 February 2001 - Tim's run continues

Tim was involved in a very tight tussle with German Jens Knippschild yesterday in his first round match in Rotterdam.  The players split the opening two sets and then things were extremely tight in the third until 4-4.  However, when push came to shove Tim managed to finish things off 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 and now plays Nicolas Escude from France in the second round today.  He is due on court first (10 am GMT) so more results later.

On another note, I hope you are all now able to access the new message board facility.   Unfortunately if you are not able to receive Java related programmes you may not be able to access for forum in future.  I am however, quite open to suggestion on how we can make things better so if any one else has any "un-Java" related boards they visit, please email me the URLs and I can check them out.  Inside the Web have completely messed things up for tennis lovers.  Like me the webmasters of Rafterbabble, the Scud Zone and Lleyton Land are up in arms - so while we all try to sort things out, please bear with me.  If I can't sort it out completely before I go away, I will try to do it on my return.

18 February 2001 - Tim wins another Title

Tim won his 3rd title in 4 months earlier today when he beat Swedish "New Ball" Andreas Vinciguera in straight sets to conclude a very successful week in Copenhagen.  He said afterwards that he went to Copenhagen to win the title and he did just that.  As No.1 seed and by far the highest ranked player there, Tim was under pressure to produce the goods.  And he did just that against Leftie Vinciguera.   Tim took just 10 minutes to get to a 3-0 lead and from there on in he did not look back.  The Swede who had won 9 straight matches there, fought back and even though he managed to break back, Tim broke and again and won the set 6-3.  Vinciguera fought back at the start of the second but was still soon 1-3 down and Tim just motored from there.  Tim fully imposed his serve volley and chip charge game on the Swede because he knew just how deadly he was from the baseline and finished off 6-3, 6-4 in just over one hour. 

From being in 7 straight finals when he lost, Tim has now won three titles out of his last three finals.  He remains at 10 on the entry system and can look forward to a promotion in the Champions Race when the new list is issued tomorrow.  And remember Tim is off to Rotterdam this week where he has been in the final the last two years, so let's hope for another successful week.  Seeded 4, Tim is due to play Jens Knippschild in the first round.

17 February 2001 - Tim into Final in Copenhagen

Tim reached his first final since Brighton earlier today when he beat Jan Siemerink in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6.  He raced through the first set breaking the Dutchman's serve twice.  The second set was all together tighter but Tim managed to sneak through in the tiebreak.  Tomorrow he will play the defending champion Andreas Vinciguerra in the final.  Vinciguerra overcame young Russian Mikhail Youzhny in the other semifinal 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.

16 February 2001

Tim beat Bohdan Ulihrach in the quarter-finals earlier today 6-3, 6-4.  He now plays leftie Jan Siemerink in the semi finals.

15 February 2001 - Tim into Quarters

As Number one seed, Tim is still pacing through the draw in Copenhagen.  Today he beat Georg Bastl from Switzerland in straight sets 7-5, 7-5 and tomorrow takes on Czech player Bohdan Ulihrach for a place in the semi finals.

14 February 2001 - Tim beats Dosedel

Yesterday evening, Tim played Slava Dosedel in his first match back on the ATP Tour since he was beaten by Pat Rafter in the Australian Open.  He was obviously a bit rusty because he was broken twice in the first set before coming back and winning it 6-4.   Dosedel continued playing well in the second, winning it 6-2, because Tim was struggling to produce his best.  However, Tim managed to up the pace at the start of the third set and then ran away with it, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1.  He now plays George Bastl in the second round on Thursday.

12 February 2001 - Copenhagen News

Tim is the number one seed in Copenhagen this week.  He plays Slava Dosedel in the first round.  Tim should be able to do well this week - the number two seed Voltchkov is only ranked 35 on the entry system!

21 January 2001 - Tim defeated by resurgent Rafter

Pat Rafter showed just why he has been there, done it and got the Grand Slam winning T-shirt when he beat Tim earlier today in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 to make it through to the quarter finals of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.   Before the tournament started there was a lot of talk about Pat retiring but on this form, he would be foolish to hang up his boots because his tennis is still as good as ever.  He now takes on Dominik Hrbaty who beat Marat Safin comfortably in straight sets. 

Tim did not play that badly - he was just not upto the same standard as he was in his previous matches and he made far too many errors.  His double faults outnumbered his aces and came at crucial times - on match point for starters.  I think perhaps the crowd got to Tim slightly more than he said it would and playing in the intense heat of the day, Pat's constant net rushing probably put Tim off his stride.  Tim had two break point chances early on in the first set and after that nothing came his way.   On the other hand, Pat got his chances and took them at the crucial times.   When Pat broke Tim's serve to take the first set - the signs were ominous for the British No.1. 

It is such a shame because Tim felt that it was perhaps his time to prove to the tennis world that he could achieve something in Grand Slams away from Wimbledon and he did so with fairly comfortable early victories against Arazi, Lapentti and Arthurs.  However the signs were that all was not well when all of his early rounds caused some jip (and heart fluttering amongst his fans back in Britain). 

Now the sole British survivor in the senior event is Greg Rusedski who takes on Arnaud Clement tomorrow for a place in the quarter finals. 

19 January 2001 - Henman has a blip but is still through to 4th Round

It was a repeat performance for Tim earlier today when he raced through the first two sets against Wayne Arthurs but then he had what is now known as "third setitis" - thus relaxing and letting the opposition back into the match!  It happened against Nico Lapentti and today Tim's slip up period co-incided with a strong purple patch from the Australian who makes his home in Pinner - Northweat London!  Arthurs gave his home fans something to cheer when he took the third set 6-0 but that was wear the rot stopped.  Tim came back strong in the 4th set and broke twice to lead 5-2 before serving out to love 6-3, 6-2, 0-6, 6-2 and takes on that other Aussie favourite - Patrick Rafter - in the next round.  This match will probably take place on Sunday (although it might be Monday).  Good luck Tim!

17 January 2001 - Tim beats Lapentti to reach 3rd Round

Tim beat Nico in straight sets earlier today but it was far from convincing.  The first set was over in just 22 minutes 6-1 with some sublime tennis from Tim and he kept this up at the start of the second.  He broke serve in the 7th game but when it came to serving out the set, he slipped up.  He got to 40-0 on serve but then left a volley which landed in and 4 points later he had been broken back and had a fight on his hands.  A tie break was called on to settle matters and some more sublime tennis (this time from both players) produced one of the points of the championships so far.   Tim won the breaker 7-3 but then the Henman bandwagon came off the rails!

Nicolas raced to a 3-0 lead in the third (with two breaks) but in the process he slipped and fell and was forced to take an injury timeout to get his ankle strapped.   Tim managed to grab an immediate break back on the resumption of play and eventually he levelled up at 4-4.  The match went into its second tie break a few minutes later.  The breaker was extremely close.  Tim had his first match point at 7-6 but this was saved by a strong Lapentti serve.  Tim got a second at 8-7 and this time there were no mistakes.  Tim served a strong stinging serve which Lapentti could not return and it was over.  Tim leapt for joy at victory 6-1, 7-6, 7-6 which showed just how hard he had been forced to work and now plays Wayne Arthurs in the next round, in what could be the first of two successive matches against Australians! 

15 January 2001 - Tim wins first round in Melbourne

Tim got his Australian Open campaign for 2001 off to a good start with a straight sets win over Morocco's Hicham Arazi but it was not exactly easy.  Tim had to break Arazi's serve twice in the first set before he closed out the tie break 7-5.  Some solid play at the start of the second set caused Arazi to become more and more erratic as the match went on and Tim eventually won 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.  He now plays Nicolas Lapentti in the second round. 

Tim and Nico are due on the Rod Laver Court at 10.45 am Melbourne time - that is about 11.45 pm GMT.

Although Tim said after the draw that he had a relatively trouble free draw, he has now admitted that Lapentti is one of the dangerous floaters and with a possible fourth round meeting with Aussie favourite Pat Rafter, things will not be easy!  2001 is certainly Tim's chance to show that he can prosper at Grand Slams other than Wimbledon, and Melbourne Park seems as good a place as any to start.  Tim knows that he needs to get further than the 4th round - where he reached last year - to prove that he is as much a threat at the top of the ATP Tour as any of the young "New Balls Please" players that are currently surging up the rankings (and populating the very top!)

7 January 2001 - Massu spoils the party in Adelaide

After 2 more straight-sets victories over Jeff Tarango and Thomas Johansson, Tim found himself in the semi-final against Chilean, Nicolas Massu.  After taking the first set fairly comfortably, 6-3, Tim found himself in a great battle when Massu became inspired to produce his very best tennis, and although Tim was still playing pretty well, he could not find the answer to win the second set, which went to Massu 7-5, and the final set became something of a rout which Massu completed 6-2, thus stopping Tim achieving his second successive Final on the ATP tour.

Overall, it was a pretty good week, and Tim goes to Melbourne safe in the knowledge that his Aussie Open preparations are well on target.  Another week's practice will be behind him by the time that the Open begins on the 15th January,  Let's hope that Tim can better his previous best of the Fourth Round.

Good Luck Tim!!  All your fans in GB will be shouting for you.  Please make it worthwhile getting up in the middle of the night to watch you during your 2001 Aussie Open campaign!!!!!!!!

3 January 2001 - Tim wins latest battle of the Brits!

Tim started his 2001 season in style, beating fellow Brit, Greg Rusedski, in the opening round of the AAPT Championships in Adelaide, which started this week.  Seeded 2, Tim overcame Greg in straight sets 6-2, 7-6, in the same fashion as he swept aside all his oponents in  Brighton at the end of last year.  He has obviously decided to continue where he left off last year - let's have more of this Tim !!!

The first set was very much one way traffic, and although Greg battled back during the second set, his serve let him down in the second-set tie-break when he served 3 double faults, which allowed Tim to win fairly comfortably in the end.