Post by Taxigirl on Sept 10, 2004 9:05:25 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/3643398.stm
Tim Henman insists the pressure is finally off ahead of Saturday's US Open semi-final against Roger Federer.
The Briton reached the last four for the first time with victory over Dominik Hrbaty on Thursday, and believes he can test the top seed.
"Playing Federer is the toughest task in tennis," he said. "He's the number one and has had an incredible year.
"But I have nothing to lose. I've beaten him in a few times in the past and hopefully I can beat him again."
Henman had never reached a Grand Slam semi-final outside Wimbledon before this year, but has now done so at both the US and French Opens.
"Like at the French this is much less mentally demanding for me than Wimbledon," said Henman.
"But generally I'm learning to stay calm and relax and have more fun on court.
"I used to put myself through mental torture trying to win so much.
"The key for me is staying composed, which in turn makes me play much better."
Tim Henman insists the pressure is finally off ahead of Saturday's US Open semi-final against Roger Federer.
The Briton reached the last four for the first time with victory over Dominik Hrbaty on Thursday, and believes he can test the top seed.
"Playing Federer is the toughest task in tennis," he said. "He's the number one and has had an incredible year.
"But I have nothing to lose. I've beaten him in a few times in the past and hopefully I can beat him again."
Henman had never reached a Grand Slam semi-final outside Wimbledon before this year, but has now done so at both the US and French Opens.
"Like at the French this is much less mentally demanding for me than Wimbledon," said Henman.
"But generally I'm learning to stay calm and relax and have more fun on court.
"I used to put myself through mental torture trying to win so much.
"The key for me is staying composed, which in turn makes me play much better."