Rusedski overcomes fatigue but Henman bows out

GREG RUSEDSKI and Tim Henman, who had been on course to meet in the quarter-finals of the CA Tennis Trophy here, went their different ways yesterday. While Rusedski won a tense three-setter against Andrei Medvedev of the Ukraine, Henman was beaten by Russia's Marat Safin.

GREG RUSEDSKI and Tim Henman, who had been on course to meet in the quarter-finals of the CA Tennis Trophy here, went their different ways yesterday. While Rusedski won a tense three-setter against Andrei Medvedev of the Ukraine, Henman was beaten by Russia's Marat Safin.

Rusedski, a semi-finalist last year, eventually won 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, but put in a far from convincing performance in an untidy match. The Briton struggled to produce his usually devastating serve and did not hit a single ace in the opening set.

The second set was littered with unforced errors, both players claiming two early breaks before Medvedev's wild groundstrokes gifted Rusedski the second set.

Rusedski, seeded No 5, found some form at the start of the third set with a love service game and he built up a 4-2 lead with a break in the sixth game as Medvedev appeared to struggle with an injury to his right leg. In spite of his faltering serve, Rusedski served out to claim a battling victory.

Rusedski agreed he was lucky to reach the last eight and said he needs a break. "I was fortunate to win today, like I was fortunate to win two days ago [against Thomas Johansson]," he said. "I've got a day off now and I will take my mind completely away from tennis."

He added: "I'm physically and mentally tired because I've played eight consecutive weeks. The conditions are pretty difficult here and you don't get a lot of free points."

Henman lost the first set to Safin but got back into the match by winning the second set. The Russian, however, rallied in the third set and went on to win 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.