Henman confounds clay-court critics

Tim Henman has proved he can be a threat on the surface opponents believed he could not master and the British No 1 feels he is now equipped to get past the third-round stage of the French Open at Roland Garros for the first time.

Henman's form at the Tennis Masters Series event in Monte Carlo last week has given his game a massive injection of confidence and forced clay court experts to change their opinion of his abilities on the surface.

He has reached the fourth round or better at the three other Grand Slams but the French third round has been a hurdle he has not been able to clear.

Henman lost his Monte Carlo semi-final 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 to former French Open champion Carlos Moya and said: "Physically I feel fine. Mentally I am a little tired but I can take a lot of confidence from this."

Henman, second in the Champions Race, will now have a rest until the Tennis Masters event in Rome on 6 May, which starts the run-up to the French Open.

"It was a disappointing end to a very positive week," he said. "I have continued what is proving to be a very consistent year. Now I have got to build on my performances here throughout the rest of the clay court season."

Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero claimed his first Monte Carlo title with a 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 victory against compatriot Moya.

Wimbledon and US Open champion Venus Williams returned to the top of the women's singles rankings today, replacing fellow-American Jennifer Capriati.