Henman acknowledges Rusedski clash

Tim Henman admits the 10th meeting of his career with Greg Rusedski at the US Open next week could prove to be his most important yet.

The pair have slumped down the rankings this season and each desperately needs a good grand slam showing to keep in touch with the game’s elite.

Their bids are further complicated by the prospect of the winner facing world number one Roger Federer in round two, but for now world number 62 Henman is refusing to look past Rusedski.

Henman said: “It is never easy playing against somebody from the same country and this will not be any different.

“Greg and I have played some very important matches against each other over the years, and this one is just as important but for slightly different reasons.”

Henman told his official website, timhenman.org: “Both of us would like our rankings to be higher than they are at the moment and in order for our rankings to improve we have to do well in the big events, and they don’t come any bigger than the grand slams.”