2004 Jul 31 - US Open: Henman defeats Karlovic

Tim Henman battled his way through five sets against Croatian Ivo Karlovic 7-6(2) 6-7(7) 4-6 6-4 6-4 to go through to the second round of the US Open.

The British No.1 could barely walk over the weekend due to a back problem but looked in good physical and mental shape as he came back from a 1-2 set deficit to take the remaining two sets.

After the match Tim said:

"It was a tough match all round. There had been talk about my back but I had a great practice on Saturday and felt 100%. "But it totally seized up on Saturday evening. I couldn't walk and it felt like someone was sticking a knife in my back, so I spent a couple of days working on it.

"It improved massively in 48 hours.

"I've got to thank the Order of Play Committee because I was down to play on Monday but Paul (Annacone) had a word with them and said 'any chance of a Tuesday?'"

In the second round Tim will face Frenchman Jerome Golmard. Of the forthcoming contest, Tim said:

"I can only improve physically, I feel like been serving pretty well. I'm pleased to get through this, I didn't know if I was going to play.

"I haven't seen (Golmard) for a while, he's struggled with injury. He's a lefty with an awkward game, he's come through qualies, but if I progress physically I've got a good chance."

The two players have met on 7 previous occasions with Tim holding a 4-3 win/loss record over the Frenchman. Tim won their last 2 matches in Hamburg (Germany) and the Australian Open, both in 2000.