Federer still favourite, says Henman

Tim Henman believes he will start as the underdog for tonight’s Pacific Life Open final against Roger Federer despite his amazing record in past meetings with the Swiss world number one.

Henman has won six of their seven previous encounters, inflicting upon Federer his two most recent defeats in Paris last October and in Rotterdam six weeks ago.

However, Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Federer has otherwise won 26 of his last 27 matches to make him easily the hottest talent on the planet right now.

“I’ve got a good record against him, but do I start as favourite? I don’t think so,” said Henman.

“I think when you look at him, he’s number one in the world right now. I think that pretty much says it all. He’s won the Australian Open this year, and he’s certainly played better than anyone.”

Federer, who beat American ace Andre Agassi 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the semi-finals, has also warned Henman that he believes the conditions in Indian Wells will suit him better.

“The surfaces in Rotterdam and Paris suit him better than me,” said Federer. “In Rotterdam, I never found a rhythm. There were a lot of bad bounces. Also he played incredible tennis.

“Obviously, this surface is a little slower, which allows him to have a better look at the return, but also for me it’s easier maybe to return his serve.”

Nevertheless, Henman feels he is also playing better than ever at the moment, even eclipsing the period when he made it to number four in the world.

After outclassing little-known Georgian Irakli Labadze 6-3 6-2, the 29-year-old declared: “I think I’m playing better now.

“I think in the last five or six tournaments, I think just the way I’m playing, the style I’m playing, and the level that I’m playing, it’s probably been the best.

“I’ve probably stated on a number of occasions over the years, I felt like I was going to play my best tennis later on than most.

“It’s come about in slightly unusual circumstances, given my (shoulder) injury. But, it’s definitely exciting for me. There’s no reason why I can’t keep playing like this, improve on this, get better and better over the next three or four years.”