Henman upbeat for Paris opener

Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 26 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Tim Henman is not fancied to pull up any trees at the French Open but is confident of beating first-round opponent Ernests Gulbis.

The British number two has been paired with the 18-year-old Latvian in the opening round at Roland Garros, and will need to improve on his recent performances to progress in Paris.

Britain's sole representative in the singles has won just one match on tour this season and, apart from in 2004 when he reached the semi-finals of the French, has never been at home on clay.

Rafael Nadal awaits in round three if both players win their opening two matches in the tournament and so Henman will be keen to set up a clash with the best player on clay at present.

The right-hander knows little about his first-round opponent but will be focusing on his own performance in Paris.

"I obviously know of him but I haven't watched him play many matches," he told his official website. "I'll be concentrating initially on executing my own gameplan and letting him worry about me."

If Henman beats Gulbis, he will play either Swede Robin Soderling or Spain's Albert Montanes in the second round.

Nadal remains the 1.87 favourite to win his third consecutive French Open title with Roger Federer on offer at 3.15 but the 'Winner without Nadal and Federer' market makes interesting reading.

Youngster Novak Djokovic is the favourite at 5, while Fernando Gonzalez trades at 9, Guillermo Canas at 14.5 and Nikolay Davydenko is on offer at 11.5.