Tursunov rallies behind Henman

Tim Henman today received plenty of support, some from highly unlikely sources, ahead of his second-round match at Wimbledon.

Henman takes on Russia’s Dmitry Tursunov on Centre Court this afternoon after recovering from two sets down in his opening clash with Jarkko Nieminen.

And even his opponent and unheralded American Justin Gimelstob have spoken out in support of the British number one.

“As much pressure as they put on him, and now Andy Murray as well, I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes,” said Tursunov, who beat compatriot Marat Safin in the first round here last year.

“I think I would have more pressure playing Andy because he is young and has nothing. I remember when I was in his shoes when you were going for shots with very little percentage so you feel like every point is your last point in the spotlight.

“The older players feel a little bit more pressure simply because of that. It’s hard to play someone whose back is against the wall like that.”

Gimelstob, already through to the third round, revealed he had turned on a group of fans who had been abusing Henman when it looked as though he was heading for a first-round exit.