Tennis: Rusedski upbeat about Wimbledon prospects

Greg Rusedski shrugged off the disappointment of another failed French Open to insist that he is in perfect shape for Wimbledon.

The British number two flew home after being defeated 6-1 6-7 6-3 7-5 in the second round at Roland Garros by Frenchman Fabrice Santoro in front of a screaming home crowd.

But, after his training, running up mountains in Barcelona, he believes his clay court defeat could turn into a success story in SW19.

‘‘The whole preparation has been good for me,’’ said Rusedski. ‘‘Physically I’m getting stronger. I’m hitting the ball better on both sides. It’s been a positive.’’

Rusedski will play both Nottingham and Queen’s before launching his challenge at Wimbledon and he is relishing the faster conditions more suited to his awesome serve.

‘‘I’m looking forward to it,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m positive. I’m optimistic about the grass court season.

‘‘The mind frame is good. It’s adjusting in time for Wimbledon.

‘‘You’ve got to serve and volley both balls now. You’ve got to take the kick serve out of your repertoire more and get the slice serve and flatter serve going.

‘‘You have to chip and charge. I’m looking forward to getting ready for that.’’

But he intends to be back at Roland Garros next year better prepared to take on the likes of number one Gustavo Kuerten and clay-court specialists Juan Carlos Ferrero and his first-round victim Albert Portas.

‘‘My record is nothing to write home about, two wins and four losses on clay this year,’’ he added.

‘‘But I think the quality of tennis I’m playing is better.

‘‘If I can raise the level next year another 10% then maybe I can get a few more match wins and play better.

‘‘Ferrero or Kuerten or Portas hit big passing shots and I’d like to play those guys and hopefully next year I’ll improve to where I can play against those guys as well on clay.’’

Tim Henman, meanwhile, was due to face Argentinian Guillermo Canas early this morning in his third round match victory in which would give him his best-ever record at Roland Garros.