Henman injury fear dismissed

Tim Henman's new coach Paul Annacone today played down fears that the British No1 is struggling with a wrist injury.

Henman, who is preparing to face Argentinian Guillermo Canas tomorrow in the third round of the Australian Open, was seen having his wrist and forearm examined by fitness trainer Johan de Beer during a shortened training session at Melbourne Park.

But Annacone, the man who helped Pete Sampras to a record 14 Grand Slams, was adamant the British star will be ready to play.

He said: "Tim doesn't have anything wrong with his wrist unless he is keeping it secret from me! He trained today and there weren't any problems. He is fully fit and raring to go."

Henman has failed to get past the fourth round in seven previous attempts at the tournament while Canas, who was out of the sport for nine months last year due to wrist surgery, is now back to his best form.

Annacone - who got together within Henman at the end of last year - is warning his player to be on his guard tomorrow.