Henman left to seek cold comfort in No 2 spot
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tim Henman will take little solace from rising up two places in the ATP Champions Race. The 27-year-old from Oxford, who now sits at No 2, achieved that feat by reaching the final of the Pacific Life Open here only to once again be provided with a painful reminder of the gulf which exists between him and the world's élite.
The Australian Lleyton Hewitt, the reigning US Open champion and current world No 1, beat Henman 6-1, 6-2 to confirm his status as the best around."He's playing phenomenal tennis," Henman said of his opponent in that final. "From the players' perspective, he's setting the benchmark. He's the top player in the world right now. He's setting the standard in a number of areas, whether it's returning or whether it's his foot speed around the court. I think those two stand out."
Hewitt was delighted after winning his first Tennis Masters Series event and put his success down to the hard work he had put in during the winter. At 21, he has now won 14 ATP titles, equal to Andre Agassi at the same age and four behind Pete Sampras.
"It's fantastic to finally win a Tennis Masters Series event," Hewitt said. "The atmosphere was electric. I worked extremely hard, putting in a lot of hours on the court... when I was able to pick up the racket again after a few months off.
"Then to come out and to play the way that I have, be mentally tough out there, with the fitness level back again, it's a great feeling.
"I have been playing strong in the big matches when it counts. When it gets to a big match, it doesn't worry me at all. I go out there, I play with no fear. It is a little bit surprising, though, that I've been able to win my 14th title in such a short time."
During his six matches here, Hewitt lost one set, in the second round to Andrei Pavel during a sand storm. That form was evident from the onset against Henman. He broke the Briton in the very first game and although he dropped his next serve, that was to be the only game he allowed his opponent.
The second set proceeded in much the same way. After a strong run last week, Henman's game left him in the final match, he made 30 unforced errors and only seven winners, holding serve just once in the second set.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments