Henman aims to maintain Lapentti hoodoo
Tim Henman is confident he can maintain the hoodoo he holds over Nicolas Lapentti when he faces the 24-year-old in the third round of the Masters Series in Indian Wells, California.
The British 10th seed has come out on top in their two previous meetings on the ATP Tour in Arizona last year and at the Australian Open in January, and recorded a success over the then world No 11 in last year's Davis Cup loss to Ecuador.
"I've got a good record against Lapentti," said the 26-year-old from Oxford, who can boast seven career titles to his opponent's three. "I'm pleased with where my game is and if I keep the form up, then I think I've got a good chance in that match."
After a nervous 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 first-round win over Germany's Rainer Schuttler, Henman was at the top of his game when beating Frenchman Cedric Pioline 6-3, 6-3 last night.
"I think my consistency to keep him under pressure as much as possible definitely paid off," said Henman.
In the women's event, Serena Williams beat second seed Lindsay Davenport 6-1, 6-2 to set up a semi-final showdown with sister Venus, a 6-0, 6-3 conqueror of Russia's Elena Dementieva.
