XXVI OLYMPIC GAMES

July 23, 1996

Tim Henman

TIM HENMAN: I think my first real hardcourt match since the grass and I was pretty happy the way I played. The first set, I think, was pretty crucial in the heat and so I was pleased to come through. I felt comfortable in the second.

TIM HENMAN: It is hotter. It is humid as well. We play in this pretty much every summer, though, when we come to the States. So pretty much getting used to it. So hopefully I won't have any problems.

TIM HENMAN: Not exactly. It is obviously a big point, but, you know, I was serving well. So even though I was down breakpoints, which was set points, I still felt I was -- you know, I still had a chance to force it into a tiebreaker once I did do that. So I think I did play a good tiebreak.

TIM HENMAN: I think in the heat, when it is a very close set, I think it is important to make the extra effort to try and win it. It is never easy coming back from a set down, but, you know, I think that sort of magnified in the heat.

TIM HENMAN: I think I still played a good first set. I had no complaints at all. I was hitting the ball well. I think I definitely did improve in the second set. So it is a pleasing way to start.

TIM HENMAN: Very much some. It is something that tennis pros aren't really used to. And being my first Olympics, it is a new experience. And it is a great atmosphere mixing with athletes from all different sports. I think there is a real buzz about it. It is very positive.

TIM HENMAN: Sure. You learn different things about their preparation, maybe about different training techniques and generally meeting, you know, a lot of different people.

TIM HENMAN: I think so. I don't think you really need any extra incentive when you are playing the Olympics, but there is a very positive atmosphere, I think, that rubs off on anybody.

TIM HENMAN: I don't know about that. I think there have been a lot of very good performances. Obviously, you know, everyone is striving to obtain medals, but I am sure they will come.

TIM HENMAN: I think with my performance at Wimbledon, obviously, probably people will begin to expect more of me. But, you know, I have always said that I have just got to concentrate on my tennis, and not let that affect me. So if I can continue, you know, playing the way I am, then all the better.

TIM HENMAN: It is still a pretty nice court to play in. Obviously, it is not as big as Center Court, but, you know, it is still a good atmosphere. I think we had a lot of very good support. Having said that, it is not something that concerns me. As long as it is a tennis court with, you know, lines and normal size, I don't really mind where I play.

TIM HENMAN: Yeah, I think it is nice. I have very much enjoyed their support and hopefully they enjoyed watching me, so I think we worked well today.

TIM HENMAN: No, our transport has been fine. Obviously I have heard about the problems with the rowers, but no, it runs very smoothly for the tennis players, I think.