Henman sweeps into Wimbledon last 16
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Updated: 2001-06-30 14:08
Sixth seed Tim Henman rounded off a memorable day for Britain on Friday, wearing down Dutchman Sjeng Schalken 5-7 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the third round at Wimbledon.
Henman, twice a semifinalist at Wimbledon, joined compatriot Greg Rusedski in the last 16 with a workmanlike victory on Centre Court.
In the first set, the lanky Dutchman applied the pressure perfectly in the 11th game, breaking Henman's serve with three superb returns. He then held his serve to take a 1-0 lead even though it took him four set points to clinch it.
Henman, who beat Schalken in straight sets in their last encounter at the French Open, went more on the offensive in the second set and broke the Dutchman in the sixth game.
Much to the relief of the patriotic crowd, Henman had really found his rhythm and he broke Schalken in the ninth game off the third set to take a 2-1 lead.
Henman, volleying superbly, went into ovedrive in the fourth set, twice breaking Schalken for victory.
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