2004 Jun 11 - Federer praises Henman

Roger Federer is backing Tim Henman to be an even greater threat to the Swiss ace retaining his Wimbledon crown since joining forces with coach Paul Annacone who was influential in the success of legend Pete Sampras.

The Swiss ace said:

"With a new coach and new ideas and a new game plan Henman definitely has a chance.

"I think he's a great player with an unbelievable knowledge about the game and I believe he can win.

"He's the best volley player in the game right now and maybe of all-time. I never played Stefan Edberg or Pat Rafter enough but he's right up there."

Roger is looking to build on a superb 2003 and hold onto pole position in the world rankings this year. He added:

"It was a consistent, solid season with points spread out all over the year.

"There was one bad tournament, the French Open, and other than that I basically won a tournament every three or four weeks or so which was incredible.

"Hopefully I can stick where I am right now, but to be number one I have to play well again at Wimbledon and I'm ready for that."