Federer to Face Friend Henman in Tokyo Final
Posted on October 8, 2006Tim Henman's dinners with friend Roger Federer have paid off this week, with the Swiss' karma rubbing off. Henman and Federer will meet in Sunday's final, where the Brit finds himself in a tournament final for the first time since March of 2004 when he lost to the Swiss in straight sets.
Henman beat No. 9-seeded South Korean Hyung-Taik Lee 6-4, 7-6(5) to reach the final, and has lost his last five matches against the world No. 1.
"Roger is a good friend but I think I would have fancied my chances a bit more against Becker," said Henman of Benjamin Becker, who Federer eased past in his semifinal in straight sets. "The courts are very quick and suit my game. I think if I play my style I can have an impact. I have nothing to lose and lots to gain."
Henman hasn't won a title since 2003 at the Masters Series-Paris.
"Roger is trying to prove he's the best player that's ever played the game," Henman said. "To play him in the final will be very special."
Federer improved to 48-2 on hardcourts after going 50-1 last year, and since the beginning of 2004 has compiled a 230-15 record with an amazing 30 titles in 45 tournaments.
"It was pretty straightforward," said Federer, 76-5 after beating Becker in his first appearance in a tournament in Japan. "My dream was to be in the final. The last little bit is a bonus. It's a great opportunity to win my first tournament in Japan. It will be exciting to play Tim -- he's a good friend of mine."
Henman beat No. 9-seeded South Korean Hyung-Taik Lee 6-4, 7-6(5) to reach the final, and has lost his last five matches against the world No. 1.
"Roger is a good friend but I think I would have fancied my chances a bit more against Becker," said Henman of Benjamin Becker, who Federer eased past in his semifinal in straight sets. "The courts are very quick and suit my game. I think if I play my style I can have an impact. I have nothing to lose and lots to gain."
Henman hasn't won a title since 2003 at the Masters Series-Paris.
"Roger is trying to prove he's the best player that's ever played the game," Henman said. "To play him in the final will be very special."
Federer improved to 48-2 on hardcourts after going 50-1 last year, and since the beginning of 2004 has compiled a 230-15 record with an amazing 30 titles in 45 tournaments.
"It was pretty straightforward," said Federer, 76-5 after beating Becker in his first appearance in a tournament in Japan. "My dream was to be in the final. The last little bit is a bonus. It's a great opportunity to win my first tournament in Japan. It will be exciting to play Tim -- he's a good friend of mine."