Tokyo QF: Henman v Ancic

VSandhi20 · Futures qualifying

Tokyo QF: Henman v Ancic

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

After an early start too - I hope he can manage a bit of kip during the day!

Just as bad for Ancic of course - except not quite so early a start.

I'll keep fingers, toes, eyes etc crossed for Tim!

Sheddie · administrator

The quarter-final match is said to probably not start before midnight in Japan. Currently it's 7.30pm there.

Looking ahead to the match Henman said "Mario will be a difficult one as I've never beaten him. The first time we played at Wimbledon, I played poorly and lost in straight sets.""And the last time we played in Rotterdam I played a lot better but lost in two tie-breaks, but it was a lot closer.

"He serves well so he’s always very tough to break, and he’s been playing really well this year so I’m going to have to play well to create chances.

"I’m pleased to be through to the quarter-finals but these are the matches I need to win if I’m to improve my ranking so it will be a good test for me."

Ancic and Henman have played twice before, I think we all remember the first time in the quarters of Wimbledon 2004, a fairly dismal performance from Tim who lost 7-6[5], 6-4, 6-2. The 2nd time was in the quarters of Rotterdam on indoor hard in 2005, Ancic won 7-6[5], 7-6[4].

In 2006, Ancic had a highly impressive first 6 months. He reached the finals of Auckland and Marseille and the quarters of TMS Miami. He was a revelation on the clay, reaching the quarters of Rome, the semis of Hamburg and the quarters of Roland Garros. He's been working a lot on his baseline game, his forehand is now a really big weapon and he's as comfortable staying back as he is at the net. On the grass, he won Hertogenbosch and then reached the Wimbledon quarters where he lost to Federer. That day, Ancic played brilliantly but Federer was just playing his best tennis of the year. Ancic was out until September with an injury but he made his comeback in style reaching the final of Beijing before losing to Baghdatis. Last week, he lost in 3 sets to Koubek in the quarters of Mumbai. Tim is a big friend of Koubek so hopefully he can get some tips !

-- Edited by UltimateBoggoFan at 11:26, 2006-10-06

-- Edited by UltimateBoggoFan at 11:40, 2006-10-06

Sheddie · administrator

Nieminen - Becker is now 1 set all so it's be another 30-45 min before the Henman match.

Just coinciding with Boggo's quarter-final

2 matches on the day and they both have to be on at the same time

Vonce · Club Coach

Becker seems to have a break in the 3rd 3-2 up. So hopefully it won't be long now

Sheddie · administrator

That'll be quite a shock result, Nieminen will be kicking himself, he had a lot of chances to close it out in the 2nd and then lost concentration at the start of the 3rd.

What are everyone's predictions ?

I'm going for Henman in 3

johnnylad · Tennis legend

Tiger Tim in two!

RobC · All-time great

Tim in 3, as long as he's got plenty of supplies of Red Bull

johnnylad · Tennis legend

The new B Becker is becoming something of a force.

He's just won.

Is tIm up next??

RobC · All-time great

johnnylad wrote:

The new B Becker is becoming something of a force.

He's just won.

Must like his late nights - he was playing until 3am last night

Vonce · Club Coach

Yep Tim is up next.... Tim in 3 sets for me. Don't want to see him losing in straights after such a good week so far in Tokyo.

imoen · Admin: Moderator+Tennis Legend

not sure if I can stick around, but good luck Tim!

Hopefully he can win in 2 or 3. I really hope fatigue isn't a factor but it's certainly been a long day for him.

Vonce · Club Coach

Ancic serving........

30-30
40-30

Game Ancic.... To start off the contest.

Sheddie · administrator

Good start for Tim, already pressurizing on the Ancic serve

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

I have to go out very shortly, but I will keep thinking positive thoughts for Tim!

This will be a tough one.