Henman sets up Federer clash
Tim Henman is hoping he can further improve his record against Roger Federer when the pair meet in the quarter-finals of the NASDAQ-100 Open in Miami tomorrow.
Although world number one Federer has won their last two encounters, Henman still holds a 6-3 advantage in career meetings with the Swiss sensation.
British number one Henman, seeded six at this ATP Masters Series event, moved into the last eight with a 7-6 6-3 beating of temperamental Czech Radek Stepanek.
Top seed Federer, 23, survived a tough encounter with Croatia’s Mario Ancic, dropping a set for the second successive match before prevailing 6-3 4-6 6-4 against the 18th seed.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s clash, 30-year-old Henman joked: “I’m one of the few guys who has a good record against Roger, although I think I beat him a couple of times when he was just 13 or 14.
“More recently he’s taken the game to a new level and his record over the last 16 months has been phenomenal.
“But there will be no pressure or expectation on me so I can just focus on the things I’m doing well and see what happens.
“He’s had a couple of tough matches, dropping a set against (Mariano) Zabaleta and Ancic, and hopefully I can create a few opportunities. I’ve already beaten him six times so let’s hope I can make it seven.”
The pair flew to Miami together on a private jet and Federer admitted they are good friends off the court.
“We’re good buddies. We get along well,” said last year’s Wimbledon champion. “But he gives you a tough match because he keeps coming at you.
“I think outdoors he’s not as good as indoors, but I still won’t underestimate him. I’ve lost to him several times and I expect a tough match.”
