Henman to face Federer after doing it the hard way in thriller
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 won his first-round match at Wimbledon yesterday to set up a tie with the tournament favourite, Roger Federer - but not without his usual trials and tribulations.
Henman let the match against Sweden's Robin Soderling go the distance - five sets and three hours and 14 minutes - before finally winning it 6-7, 6-3, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3.
The British No 3 held three set points in the first-set tie-break, having earlier failed to convert three break points, but could not capitalise. The 31-year-old, making his 13th appearance at the championships, then served a double-fault at set point down in the tie-break to lose it 10-8.
Henman went level after a line call upset Soderling early in the second set and then came out firing on all cylinders at the start of the third set. Two breaks of serve saw the Briton race into a 4-0 lead. He wrapped up the set and everyone expected him to finish the match. But it would not be Henman at Wimbledon without a few twists and turns, and the fourth set delivered, Henman losing it 6-1.
It was a rejuvenated Henman who then emerged however, racing into a 3-0 lead. He wrapped up victory to set up the meeting with Federer, who beat Richard Gasquet, of France, in straight sets.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments