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Heman wins through to third round at Wimbledon

Pa
Thursday 26 June 2003 00:00 BST
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Tim Henman kept British hopes alive at Wimbledon today as he won through to the third round, beating French qualifier Michael Llodra 6–4, 6–4, 6–3

But Henman, who was still not entirely convincing on Centre Court, faces his third qualifier of the championships in unknown Swede Robin Soderling in the last 32.

Britain's number one still has plenty of room for improvement with Llodra taking just two of the 11 break points he created.

Henman, who struggled to get past 'lucky loser' Tomas Zib in the first round, was forced to save two break points in the fifth game of the first set as his French opponent showed off the excellent touch which makes him such a good doubles exponent.

But the 28–year–old then delighted the thousands of fans again watching on 'Henman Hill' by breaking Llodra's serve in real style.

Two backhand winners, the second right out of the top drawer, and one on the forehand side gave Henman three set points.

And although Llodra saved one with an ace, Henman fired another winner to open up a one–set lead.

The players swapped breaks in the first two games of the second set, Henman guilty of two double faults as Llodra briefly went in front.

The next seven games went with serve and it was the 10th game again when Henman pounced.

Llodra netted an easy forehand to give the 10th seed three set points and Henman did not need a second opportunity, hitting a backhand return winner cross–court to take the set 6–4.

Henman broke Llodra to move into a 3–1 lead but was immediately broken back, only to make it three breaks in a row to lead 5–2.

Llodra held serve to force Henman to serve out for the match and he did so with ease to move into the third round.

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