Rusedski ready for local hero

After an impressive first-round victory against Spaniard Alberto Portas in the French Open, Greg Rusedski will spend just 45 minutes on court today preparing for his next opponent.

Rusedski's fitness and mental attitude showed in his opening win over the higher-ranked Portas which meant that, for only the second time, he and Davis Cup team-mate Tim Henman are in the second round.

Rusedski next takes on Frenchman Fabrice Santoro, who has no record of sustained success on the clay courts at Roland Garros but will have the backing of a crowd which is beginning to run out of heroes.

"He is renowned for having beaten players like Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, so he knows his way around," said Rusedski.

"I have to take care of what I am doing. I feel in good shape and have no physical problems so it is just a matter of sorting out what to do next and build on the lessons of beating Portas. Forty five minutes on the practice court will be enough."

Henman continues his bid today against the Dutchman Sjeng Schalken and aims to reach the third round for the third year in a row.