2005 May 11 - Henman defeats Rusedski in rain

Tim Henman claimed his second win over Greg Rusedski this year 7-6(3) 6-4 to book his place in the third round of the Tennis Masters Hamburg in Germany.

Conditions on court were not the best, with a rain at the start and further delays throughout the match, which resulted in neither player finding a consistent rhythm.

In the first set Greg snatched the first break of serve but was unable to retain the advantage as Tim broke back to level 5-5. With the next two games on serve a tie-break followed, which Tim dominated with big forehand winners 7-3.

Tim broke first in the second set and applied more pressure to snatch a second break. The match was slipping away from Greg but a change of racket sparked a revival which saw him claim three games back-to-back. But in the end Greg fell short as Tim wrapped up an entertaining British encounter.

After the match Tim said:

"It was really difficult. It was chucking it down and I don't think it was acceptable (we played on at times). There's been so much rain.

"Greg also made it tough for me and I had to really raise my game - particularly at the end of the first set.

"We both have good slices but in these conditions the ball was hardly getting up. I had to play good tennis to win."