Henman fancied to book final date

Tim Henman will be a hot favourite to reach the final of the Pacific Life Open when he takes on little-known Georgian Irakli Labadze in Indian Wells tonight.

The British number one produced a performance full of class and courage to reach the last four as he had to save a match point in the second set before edging out US Open champion Andy Roddick 6-7 (8-6) 7-6 (7-1) 6-3.

A display highlighted by some superb volleying saw Henman improve his head-to-head record against the American third seed to 3-1.

And his prize will be a semi-final meeting with the unseeded Labadze, who pulled off another shock win when beating James Blake 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-1 to reach his first ATP Tour semi-final.

“I think when you’re into a match as close as that, then it’s a fine line between a lot of satisfaction and a lot of disappointment,” said Henman, who improved to 12-4 this season.

“Against Andy, I’m glad I’ve won a couple of tight ones, and today was no exception.”