Henman Makes the Big Points Count

Tim Henman reached the second round of the Rome Masters after defeating Alessio Di Mauro in straight sets.

Henman, the British number three, was pushed all the way but managed to save his best for the big points in each set of his 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) win.

All had been going well for Henman in the opening game of the match, breaking his 28-year-old opponent, before Di Mauro broke back and had a break point at 3-2 which Henman did well to save.

Henman saved three set points when Di Mauro was 5-4 up in the opener, with the Brit serving well and producing a brave forehand winner to force deuce.

After snatching the tense opening set, Henman found the going tough again in the second.

Di Mauro was within two points of levelling the match, only for Henman to force a tie-break.

This time Henman engineered a deft drop shot and a cross-court winner to make it 6-6. He closed out the tie-break comfortably, winning 7-2.