Tim Henman secured a typically hiccup – filled encounter in the first round of the French Open earlier today defeating Denmark’s Kenneth Carlesn in four sets.
Henman looked to be back to his best in the first two sets in which he was in complete control over his opponent. Confident as ever at the net and making few errors from the baseline, the British number 3 broke his opponent once in both sets to take them 6-3, 6-4.
It looked to be a similar story in the third but Carlsen proved a stubborn enemy and kept his cool, holding serve and producing solid shots whilst several errors flew from Henman’s forehand.
Elsewhere, Roger Federer survived an unexpected test against lucky loser Diego Hartfeld of Argentina, coming through two tough opening sets 7-6, 7-5, 6-2, there were more comfortable wins for clay courter Tommy Robredo thrashing Tomas Zib and the current hot property Dinara Safina who fended off former World number 9 Vera Zvonareva.
Tim looks solid here though.
Daniela (who SHOULD go far thanks to a fairly generous draw) plays tomorrow. Her clay court form has been a little shoddy in 2006 (in fairness, it has been a rather average year despite her consistent top 15/20 ranking).
There was more doubles joy however as the Slovak number one, together with regular partner Ai Sugiyama captured the doubles title in the Tier 1 event in Rome last week.
Daniela and Ai picture from WTAWorld.com
All Things Tennis 