2005 Jun 07 - Henman defeats Ginepri

Tim Henman eased past American Robbie Ginepri 7-6(5) 4-6 6-1 in the first round of the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's Club.

This was his first match on grass since the defeat to Mario Ancic in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon last year.

After the match Tim said:

"I've played this tournament for so many years, and I do absolutely appreciate how, you know, difficult the first match is on the grass.

"To come through in that type of scenario was great because I played some pretty good tennis in patches over the first two sets, but to really play as well as I did in the third is really pleasing.

"There are certainly areas that I can do a little bit better in and be more consistent in.

"But for first match up, I was pleased."

Wildcard Jamie Delgado was in great shape as he defeated rising star of French tennis Gael Monfils in straight sets 6-2 6-4.

In the doubles, the British wildcard pairing of Mark Hilton and Jonathan Marray crashed 6-3 6-4 to the Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) and Paradorn Srichaphan (THA) in the first round.