Henman handed tough US Open draw
Henman faces a tough challenge against Tursunov
Also In The News
|
England cruised to a 104-run victory in the first one-day international of the series against India at the Rose Bowl thanks to centuries from Alastair Cook and Ian Bell. |  |
Wednesday, 22, Aug 2007 09:23
Tim Henman has been handed a tough draw against Dmitry Tursunov in the first round of the US Open which begins in New York on Monday.
The tournament is likely to be the British number two's final grand slam event as he is expected to announce his impending retirement from the game at a press conference tomorrow.
Henman has only one victory over the world number 27 in six meetings and feels he will have to be at his best to overcome the Russian at Flushing Meadows.
He said: "It is a tough draw. He hits the ball hard and can hurt you from anywhere on the court.
"I am going to have to serve well and take my chances. We have played quite a few times so I know what to expect and so does he, so it will pretty much depend on who plays best on the day."
British number one Andy Murray has been seeded 19th for the tournament and will play a qualifier in his opening match.
Murray reached the fourth round of the US Open last year but his recent wrist injury could prevent him from emulating that form at this year's event.
World number one Roger Federer will also face a qualifier though he could play Andy Roddick in the later stages of the tournament after the American was seeded fifth.
Maria Sharapova will begin her defence of the women's title against Italian Roberta Vinci.
World number one Justine Henin will play a qualifier in her opening game but the Belgian has Serbia's Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic in her half of the draw along with former champion Serena Williams.