2003 March 14 - No Brits in World Top 20

Tim Henman's defeat in the Pacific Life Open Masters Series at Indian Wells means that for the first time in 6 years there is not one British tennis player ranked in the World Top 20.

The shoulder injury and subsequent shoulder operation Tim has been recovering from has resulted in dropped ATP points. While Greg Rusedski is still struggling having had a knee operation only last week.

Tim commented:

"It is a challenge that I'm not in the top 10 any more and that I'll have another little dip. I'd much rather be where I feel I belong (in the top 10) but the rankings don't lie.

"If I stay healthy, I have no doubt that I'll get back up there. But I've got to be realistic and patient. I'm the only one who can put this right.

"They say the easy bit in any sport is getting there and the had bit's staying there. I think bar Andre Agassi, I've been one of the more consistent ones on tour. I've finished four of the last five years in the top 10.

"The other time I was 12th, so that wasn't a big drop. But I think this will be a bigger challenge and I look forward to it".

Tim's Wimbledon seeding will be affected by his drop in the rankings, so there will be a greater risk of meeting a big name early in the tournament.