Henman keen to avenge Murray defeat

Tim Henman admits last week's defeat by British rival Andy Murray "left a bitter taste" in his mouth as the pair prepare to meet again in Cincinnati.

Henman comes up against the 19-year-old in the first round of the Masters tournament in Cincinnati later today - just six days after losing to him in Toronto. It was Murray's second victory in two contests against the six-time grand slam semi-finalist, and Henman believes it is time to get one back.

Henman, 31, told his official website: "I didn't play particularly well (last week) and missing such an easy shot on set point in the second set didn't sit very well with me. It's nice to be able to get back on court so soon with him to try to play better."

Murray has been in good form of late and went on to reach the semi-finals in Toronto before losing to Richard Gasquet.

The Scot's performances have seen him rise to 21 in the latest world rankings - and Henman admits he has been impressed.

Henman, the world number 59, added: "There are a handful of players that are on a roll at the moment and Andy's certainly one of those.

"His record since the beginning of Wimbledon is very positive and he must be more confident now than he ever has been.

"That's going to make life very difficult for me but on the plus side the courts are a lot faster here in Cincinnati and I have a good record here.

"I feel the conditions suit my game better here than they did in Toronto last week, so if I can get off to a good start I'm hopeful that I can really test him."