Post by Salem6 on Nov 3, 2003 0:00:07 GMT
Tim Henman had no hesitation in describing his first Masters Series title as the "greatest achievement" of his career.
The 29-year-old capped a stunning run to the final by beating Andrei Pavel in straight sets on Sunday to lift the Paris Masters trophy.
"This is my greatest achievement," said Henman.
"I couldn't be happier this week the way I've played, the people I've beaten and now winning the title."
Henman accounted for Sebastien Grosjean, Gustavo Kuerten, Andy Roddick and Roger Federer on his way to the final, rediscovering the form which deserted him after shoulder surgery late last year.
After a commanding first-set performance against Pavel, Henman allowed his form to drop in the second and third sets but he insisted he never had any concerns about missing out on his 11th career title.
"Never, not one doubt," said Henman, who is the second British winner of the tournament following Greg Rusedski's win over Pete Sampras in 1998.
"I don't want this week to be an exception, I want this to become the norm " Tim Henman.
"I felt totally in control and I was playing tennis of a level that I had no need to panic."
Henman began the week targeting a return to the world's top 20 and victory on Sunday means he will be 14th when the rankings are released on Monday.
But the Briton, a former world number four, is setting his sights higher.
"I don't want this week to be an exception, I want this to become the norm," he said.
"If I do that then there's only one direction my ranking is going to go."
And he added that he would not be looking for a full-time coach for the new season, having parted company with Larry Stefanki in September.
"I feel very happy with the way my game's progressing right now and not having a coach seemed to work pretty well this week," he said
"It's something I will evaluate from time to time and if I feel I need a bit of input then I would look.
"But I'm pretty certain that I will never have a full-time coach again. I definitely wouldn't want someone travelling with me all the time."
Tim Henman begins his bid for a first Masters Series title in fine style, breaking Andrei Pavel twice to clinch the first set
Pavel finds himself in deeper trouble when he is broken immediately in the second set
Henman serves for a two-set lead but is suddenly struck by nerves and allows Pavel back into the set
Pavel saves two set points with some determined play but Henman recovers to take complete command of the match
Henman survives an early break point in the third set, and with both players serving well the set again goes to a tiebreak
Victory will see Henman leap back into the world's top 20, an uplifting end to a frustrating season
[glow=red,2,300]AT LAST ;D[/glow]
