Tennis: Henman slips in rankings

Tim Henman, following two successive first-round defeats, has dropped from 18 to 21 in the latest world rankings issued yesterday and Greg Rusedski has gone down one place from 24 to 25.

Henman's fall could seriously affect his chances of getting a seeded position at the US Open, which begins later this month, for most of the world's leading players are expected to compete at Flushing Meadow.

Last year Henman reached the last 16 at the US Open before losing to Stefan Edberg and, if he fails to get that far again, could drop even further down the rankings.

Pete Sampras defeated Austrian Thomas Muster 6-3, 6-4 to capture the ATP Championship in Mason, Ohio, on Sunday. It was the 49th career title for the American, tying him with Boris Becker for the most tournament victories among active players on the ATP Tour.

Monica Seles survived a match point to win her 39th career title by beating Lindsay Davenport 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 at the Acura Classic event on Sunday in Manhattan Beach, California.

ATP rankings, Digest, page 25