Tennis: Henman bows out to Rafter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.TIM HENMAN was left with few complaints after losing to a flawless performance by Pat Rafter in the semi-finals of the Du Maurier Open in Toronto. Rafter, the third seed, took just under an hour to complete the 6-2, 6-4 victory, during which he produced some exhilarating tennis.
"He hit some really good shots to put me under pressure," Henman said. "I don't think I was given too many opportunities. It was more him playing a very good match than me doing anything wrong."
Rafter will meet the fourth seed, Richard Krajicek, in the final after the Dutchman ended Andre Agassi's 14-match winning run with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory in the other semi-final.
Rafter, the world No 5, has advanced through the tournament with straight- set wins over his fellow Australian Mark Philippoussis, the fifth-seeded Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden and now Henman, who was seeded seventh.
"Tim looked a step slow and I wanted to take advantage of that," Rafter said. "Everything went my way and he was flat - nothing went his way."
Mary Pierce produced a shock in the semi-finals of the Toshiba Tennis Classic in California by beating the top seed, Martina Hingis, 3-6, 7- 6, 6-2.
Pierce faces the second-seed, Lindsay Davenport, in the final. She earlier won through her semi-final against Monica Seles.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments