Henman: I'm a believer

Mark Lawford|Metro14 April 2012

Four semi-final defeats and four quarter-final defeats have not dimmed Tim Henman's desire to win Wimbledon. But the 30-year-old British No.1 now appreciates his days are numbered as a genuine challenger for the crown that has eluded him over the years.

Fully fit, he is still capable of beating the best but he admitted: 'The reality is I don't have an endless number of years for chances.

'It's a question I ask myself a lot and it's obviously a big talking point given the nature of the tournament being in the UK and me really being the only player right now.

'I've never hidden behind the fact this is the tournament I'd love to win the most but there are a number of years ahead as long as I stay fit and healthy. You've either got self-belief or you haven't.

'Why I believe in myself I don't know. But I do believe I'm pretty good at this game. I'm going to keep working hard, keep trying to do the right things.'

One of Henman's biggest gripes over the years has been the fact the courts are too slow for him, a fact that should change this year because Wimbledon officials have finally agreed to open new cans of balls on court - as opposed to up to ten days in advance - to keep them bouncy.

It's the first victory he hopes will put him on the road to becoming the first Briton to win the men's title since Fred Perry in 1936. And the fires of ambition burn brightly. 'I've got to keep working, got to keep trying to progress,' he said.

'People are entitled to their opinions and my career will be judged on whether I win Wimbledon or not.

'Can I control that? Do I agree with that? No to both questions but that's life. Plenty of things in life ain't fair.'

Only once in the past nine years - in 2000 when he exited in the fourth round - has Henman failed to make at least the last eight at the All England Club.

Had he not faced legendary American Pete Sampras in two of those semifinals and Lleyton Hewitt when he was at his peak in another, he would surely have reached at least one final.

And were it not for the rain in 2001 when he was blowing Goran Ivanisevic away in the last four, he would probably have his name engraved on the trophy already.

Now he just has to find a way past Roger Federer and Andy Roddick as well as French Open champion Rafael Nadal. As Henman said: 'Life ain't fair.'

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