Henman happy to be back on grass

Tim Henman is looking forward to Wimbledon after his exit from the French Open  

Henman says his latest exertions on clay at Roland-Garros have aided his forthcoming assault on home soil.

"Because of the nature of clay you have to hit so many balls," said Henman. "You have to do a lot of running. It certainly tests every aspect of my game because I try to play a game that isn't really conventional.

"There are areas I have certainly improved. Now it's a great opportunity to take that onto grass. I think there's every opportunity that I can play well."

But, however he does in his bid to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Fred Perry last held the Wimbledon trophy 65 years ago, he will be going it alone.

He has no intentions before Wimbledon of replacing David Felgate, the coach and best pal with whom he split two months ago.

"To start trying to develop a relationship with a coach is not really appropriate at this time of year," said Henman.

"My first Grand Slam without a coach has been a good test for me. If I look at the way I've been playing, look at the way I've performed, I certainly feel I know what I am doing.

"Likewise on a surface like grass with which I'm so familiar and in such comfortable surroundings I look forward to the challenge. Like it or lump it, that's the way it's going to be. I really look forward to it. We'll just have to see how well or how badly I deal with it."