Henman seeks grass court form
Tiger Tim looks to rediscover form
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Saturday, 16, Jun 2007 08:37
Former British number one Tim Henman will play Michael Russell in the first round of the Nottingham Open next week as he looks to recover some elusive form.
The 32-year-old, who has been handed a wildcard for the forthcoming Wimbledon Championship, may be pleased that he has avoided a seeded player as he looks to find his feet on what is generally regarded as his favourite surface.
The four-time Wimbledon champion could face Russian Dmitry Tursunov in the second round if he successfully overcomes his US opponent, although he has only won one game on tour in 2007.
Henman failed to coruscate at the Stella Artois championship last week, displaying the inconsistency which has bedevilled his career in a first-round defeat to rangy 18-year-old Croat Marin Cilic.
Commenting on his recent poor form this week, the Barnes-based right-hander described himself as being in a "rut", adding that he would "love to play horrendously and win".
He added: "I don't want to keep hitting the ball well and losing. People talk about getting on a roll, when winning becomes a habit, but the same is true with losing."
If the former world number four fails to rediscover his serve and volleying powers before the championship begins on June 25th, British hopes in the men's draw appear to be limited.
World number nine Andy Murray's participation in the tournament remains in doubt after suffering a wrist injury during the clay court season last month.