Henman faces biggest weekend of career

Tim Henman is facing the biggest weekend of his career as he looks to win his first Grand Slam title.

The British number one faces Roger Federer in tomorrow’s US Open semi-final and will play the next day if he beats the world number one.

The 30-year-old’s tournament has been drawn out over more than 22 sets so far - but he does not mind putting in a final effort to secure a maiden major title.

Henman said: “I am not sure the schedule’s quite right playing Saturday and Sunday for the semi and final but I have had a great event and I want to carry on.

“I am glad to be in the match,” he told Sky Sports. “It is going to be an exciting match and I am looking forward to it. It is a big weekend of tennis.”

Henman beat Dominik Hrbaty with some classic volleying yesterday to reach the last four at Flushing Meadows for the first time – and Federer is prepared for his opponent to use this tactic again to finish points quickly.

“He will try to charge the net against me and serve-volley more than he would against other players because if he plays from the baseline it is going to be difficult for him,” Federer said.

The 23-year-old beat Henman when they last met at Indian Wells, California, but Henman has an impressive 6-2 winning record against the player from Switzerland.

He added: “It will be a good match. It will be a similar contest to Indian Wells but I think you will see him at the net more.”

“I have got two matches left and I am playing Henman next who I have quite a bad record against.

“Luckily for me I beat him last time we met and I hope I can repeat it.”

Federer reached the last four after an five-set epic against Andre Agassi yesterday.