Tim must win mind game

"For Tim, it's all about how well he adjusts during the matches. If he does that well and he's clear on his gameplan, then he will have a really successful couple of weeks."

Having reached four Wimbledon semi-finals, Henman has already shown he has the game to win key matches on grass. However, to make that final leap from challenger to champion, Annacone insists the 30-year-old must have the courage to embrace different strategies.

Annacone said: "With the state of the conditions, Tim has to find a way of doing what he does best here which is getting to the net and volleying.

"This may involve using variety from the baseline and to figure out ways of getting to the net from his groundstrokes. I think grass-court tennis is now more thoughtful and more challenging for traditional-style grass-court players.

"If you have a huge power game like an Ivanisevic or a Sampras, then you can get away with it. But, if you don't, you have to be a bit cleverer."

Henman's challenge starts against world No70 Jarkko Nieminen on Centre Court today. The Finn, 23, made the third round in 2003 and beat Andre Agassi in the French Open last month.

However, he is not a natural grasscourt player and his preparations for the tournament have been hampered by his marriage to Anu Weckstrˆm, an Olympic badminton player, last week.

Nieminen said: "It's not the usual place for a honeymoon, but it would be a great feeling to start married life with a win. Of course, it will be a very tough match for me. I have nothing to lose. Everyone here expects Henman to win in the first round and also win the tournament. He has all the pressure.

"I have already experienced a big match against Agassi in Paris which was good preparation. The crowd there were cheering more for Agassi so I got used it and had no problems."

Nieminen, who will be making his Centre Court debut, believes his baseline game can unsettle Henman and is confident of an upset.

He said: "I know Tim will be comingto the net a lot, his game is very well-suited to grass, but, if I can serve and return well, I think I can beat him.

"I play more from the baseline than Tim and the key will be accuracy from the ground. I will try to mix up my game and play to my main strength which is accuracy from the baseline. I will have to play really well, but I believe I can win."

For their part, the Henman camp are not taking Nieminen's threat lightly.

Annacone added: "There are no easy matches. Jarkko is a good player as she showed at the French Open. He has a good forehand and is a very good counter-puncher so it's going to be tough. But Tim's ready to go. We've had some extremely productive practice sessions and he's feeling really good."