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Chat Reel: Tim Henman
'My ultimate tennis goal is to win Wimbledon'
Posted: Thursday March 09, 2000 10:03 PM
CNNSI.com Host: Welcome to our tennis chat tonight with Tim Henman, currently playing in the Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic in Scottsdale, Arizona . Tim, thanks for joining us.
Tim Henman: Thank you.
From Guest: It's been quite a day in Scottsdale... what's your perspective on how the tournament's gone so far?
Tim Henman: I was very happy with the way it turned out for me, beating Byron Black 6-1, 6-4, but I think everyone was surprised to see Agassi lose to Clavet, 6-1, 6-2. It just goes to show the strength and depth on the men's tour.
From Tristan: Tim, do you think you have a good chance of winning Wimbledon this year, and probably beating Pete Sampras along the way?
Tim Henman: I would like to think my chances are getting better and better every year, as I still feel I have a lot to improve in my game.
Having said that, Sampras is definitely the man to beat, and I'm sure one day I will beat him, hopefully in a Wimbledon final.
From Phil: I saw you play an exciting three set match in the Dewhurst Cup in the early 90's. How have you transformed your game since then and will you be coming to Toronto this year?
Tim Henman: I would say, technically, my game has not changed a great deal. My service motion is a little bit shorter and more compact, but I don't feel that there are too many other changes from six or seven years ago. I feel now I am much quicker and stronger in my movement around the court. And, of course, seven years wiser. I will be going to Toronto for the Masters series in August.
From Guest: Tim, who do you see as the next great superpower in men's tennis?
Tim Henman: There is a very strong teen group coming through at the moment. Lleyton Hewitt, Roger Federer, Juan Carlos Ferrero are going to be tough players to beat in the future.
From Jean: Good luck from everyone in Topspin - how difficult are the conditions in Scottsdale this week with the cold and rain?
Tim Henman: Hi, Jean... thanks for your call. Sunday and Monday were terrible. I could have stayed at home to watch that type of rain. But since then, conditions are much, much better, with today, almost perfect conditions. Sunny, with no wind.
From Aasmund: How has marriage changed your perspective on tennis?
Tim Henman: I don't think marriage has changed my perspective on tennis at all. I'm still as ambitious and as motivated as ever.
From Guest: Who is your favorite player to compete against?
Tim Henman: Anybody that I beat on a regular basis. Magnus Gustafsson is someone I have played and beaten on all five occasions. Goran Ivanisevic, I have beaten in all four matches. But somebody I've played the most, and had many great matches against, is Yevgeny Kafelnikov. We have played twelve times, with him winning on eight occasions.
From Susan: Dear Tim: Do you plan to play doubles with Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the Grand Slams this year? Do you ever compete in mixed doubles? Best wishes for a wonderful tennis year.
Tim Henman: I won't be playing any doubles in Grand Slams because playing best-of-five sets in two events is just too much tennis. But, at different stages throughout the year, I will be playing doubles, but who, I don't know as of yet.
I've never played mixed doubles. Only with my mum at home.
From Will: Tim, could you please comment on your relationship with Pete Sampras. I've noticed that in several tournaments both of you work out together on the courts. How has hitting with him and just being around him impacted your game?
Tim Henman: I've gotten to know Pete pretty well in the last three or four years, and have undoubtedly learned many things from his game. Practicing with people of his stature can only be a good thing.
From Guest: What do you think about playing clay court?
Tim Henman: This area of my game has probably improved the greatest in the last twelve months. I had some very satisfying wins last year in the clay court swing, and this year, in Davis Cup, coming back from two sets to love for the first time, and winning, was a great win.
From TimsNumberOneFan: Will you change your game for Indian Wells or Ericsson Open in the next few weeks?
Tim Henman: No, I'm very pleased with the way I have been playing so far in Scottsdale. I hope that I can continue to improve over the next three weeks.
From Richard: Is it harder to play in the US when you are not as much the fan's favorite as you are in England?
Tim Henman: No, it's definitely not harder. But my favorite place to play is definitely at home. The support I have there is second-to-none.
Having said that, the tournaments in the States are always of a very high standard.
From Simon: Do you feel under enormous pressure representing your country, either in Davis Cup matches or in general competition?
Tim Henman: When I play at home, whether at Wimbledon or the David Cup, there is always added expectation. It is something that I have always experienced and have never had a problem with. If anything, I thrive on those conditions, and I've played a lot of my best tennis in such circumstances.
From Claire: How do you prepare yourself mentally for a game (especially in a Grand Slam)?
Tim Henman: I wouldn't say I have too many mental preparation techniques, but I just like to have a clear picture in my mind of the way I want to play. If I go out and execute that, and play the tennis I'm capable of, then I have a good chance against anyone.
From RZ: Hello Tim. Your game has been often compared to Stefan Edberg's. Considering that you both live in England, do you occasionally work out together? Does he give you tips about your game, especially for the grass courts and for Wimbledon? Good luck in Arizona this week.
Tim Henman: Thank you. He is someone I have learned a great deal from. Whether practicing at tournaments or in London, as we still do. Likewise with Sampras, he is someone I have learned a great deal from.
From Guest: What do you like to do when you're not playing tennis? What are your hobbies?
Tim Henman: I would say that my hobbies are most other sports, and funnily enough, I just finished playing nine holes of golf. Golf being my favorite pastime.
From Guest: What is your ultimate tennis goal and how far are you from it?
Tim Henman: My ultimate tennis goal is to win Wimbledon, and having been in the semifinals for the past two years, I'm getting closer and closer. If I keep improving, as I know I can, I think I have a good chance of one day fulfilling that dream.
CNNSI.com Host: Thanks for participating in the chat, Tim, and good luck.
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