Henman On Murray For Wimbledon, Goran Rematch

Tim Henman has thrown his weight behind compatriot Andy Murray’s chances ahead of Wimbledon, and welcomed the opportunity to take on Goran Ivanisevic again after the Croatian signed up to play in the AEGON Masters Tennis tournament at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Henman, who announced in March that he would play on the ATP Champions Tour for the first time in the ever-popular event at the Albert Hall in December, will be joined by Ivanisevic, who won their epic, rain-delayed semifinal at Wimbledon in 2001 before going on to take the title. Elsewhere, defending champion Pat Rafter became the third man to sign up for the event.

“I would love to play Goran again,” said Henman, who led their career head-to-head 4-1 when they retired. The last time they played was in that five set classic at Wimbledon.

“Our match from 2001 in the semis of Wimbledon was such a unique match and such a special match because it was of such huge importance to both of us. To play over three days in the semis of a Grand Slam is very, very rare and there were so many swings and roundabouts. If there’s one match that people want to talk about with me it’s probably that match and I think other people have a far bigger issue about than I do. People think I should hold this big grudge against Goran but he was always a great mate of mine on the Tour and I’ve seen him hundreds of times since then. So I’ll look forward to playing him again and hopefully beating him this time.”

Asked about Murray’s chances of going a step further than he managed and reaching the Wimbledon final, Henman was bullish.

“I really think Wimbledon could be Murray’s,” said Henman.

“He played great last year getting through to his first semi and I think he was very disappointed to lose to Roddick. All credit to Roddick for the match that he played because it was phenomenal. But I think Murray’s matured again, he’s improved, his game is better, he’s got 12 months more experience and I think he’s got every chance of winning what would potentially be his first Grand Slam title.”

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