Henman ready to shoot down Scud

Tim Henman knows exactly what to expect from the "Scud" Mark Philippoussis at Wimbledon today – and is relishing the chance for revenge.

Henman takes on last year’s beaten finalist this afternoon in a repeat of their fourth-round meeting at the All England Club four years ago.

Philippoussis came back from two sets to one down on that occasion to reach the quarter-finals, and has beaten Henman four times in their previous six contests.

But Henman is confident he can turn the tables this time after reaching the last 16 for a ninth consecutive year with a 7-6 6-3 3-6 6-2 victory over Morocco’s Hicham Arazi on ‘People’s Sunday’.

And although he admits he will have to play better to beat the big-serving Australian, he feels Philippoussis’ style of play will be easier to handle than that of the mercurial Arazi.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Henman, whose defeat at the hands of Philippoussis was the only time he has failed to reach at least the quarter-finals in eight years.

“He serves big and sometimes there isn’t a great deal you can do. I think in 2000 he served 35 aces on the day and was too good for me.

“But I think the way that I’ve been playing and perhaps the changing conditions, it suits me well.

“I’m pretty sure that Philippoussis is going to be coming at me the whole time with his serve, both first and second. I think that suits me okay.”