Tim’s time? Not yet. (Tim Henman)

Member Name: jeanjeannie

Product:	Tim Henman
Date:	09/07/01 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: British, Talented

Disadvantages: unpredictable

Not since the world cup in 1966 have I been so wound up that I have been unable to watch the play. Back in 66 I retreated to the back garden during extra time and, not being a real football fan, as soon as I heard my family roar I ran indoors to share in the celebrations. No, I didn’t realise that this was not the end of the match and I was relegated back outside in case I brought bad luck by continuing to watch.

The same feelings came back to me this week watching Tim doing his bit for Britain; if he starts off well I am waiting for the double faults and the back hands in the net or, if he starts off badly I am thinking he will warm up soon and will show us all what a brilliant player he can be.

The match against Todd Martin was the usual roller coaster but I managed to watch most of it without running to the kitchen . When I did leave the room I was listening intently waiting for the roar of the crowd and returning to see the replay of one of his winners. He did play magnificently against Todd but I have to say that the American was looking rather old and tired.

Federer – next on the list and the man ( boy) who knocked out Tim’s previous terminator – Sampras. I thought the 19 year old would also wipe the floor with Tim – he was another of those players like Macinroe, Connors and Borg who never knew they were beaten until the umpire read out the final scores. He had every shot in the book and covered the court so quickly just like Jimmy in the good old days. Yes I am getting old!

Quite honestly I didn’t give Tim a chance but, like the trooper he is he hung in there even when he wasn’t playing his best and, finally , he took the few chances he was given and won.

A step nearer the Final and the press really started buzzing. Is there anyone in the Country who doesn’t know that he would be the first Englishman in a Wimbledon final for over 60 years. The pressure must have
been unbearable. Still, he had statistics on his side – 4 matches against the effervescent Goran and 4 matches won. Pretty good odds you would think. On top of that Goran Ivanisevic had been given a wild card to enter Wimbledon as his recent form had been so poor – Tim must reach the Final mustn’t he?

Well, I truly think that he would have if it had not been for the English weather upsetting the young Englishman’s chances – ironic really. He started so well on Friday – if only his match had been first on court instead of Pat Rafter and Agassi if only. If only he could have completed that fourth set when he was playing like a dream and Goran’s bullet serve had deserted him.

But, it was not to be – when he came back on court today it was all going to be over too quickly – no time to settle down, no time to get rid of the pre match butterflies – it was sink or swim and, sadly he sunk and Goran – with absolutely nothing to lose and no pressure from the press or the crowd – swam.

In his post match interview he made me feel very proud of him – no excuses, no self pity just determination to come back next year and WIN. Next year could well be his year if you believe in coincidences. After all Virginia Wade won in the Queens silver jubilee year so it would be fitting if Tim won next year in the golden jubilee year.

Just make sure the Queen is invited to the Final someone…… PLEASE.

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