Tim tips himself for 2001

Tim Henman's elation at winning his first senior tennis title in Britain after seven years on the ATP tour was balanced by his conviction that he must improve again next year to nail down what he really wants - a Grand Slam title.

Henman says: "I am optimistic that 2001 will be my best ever year."

His 6-2, 6-2 victory over Dominik Hrbaty, of Slovakia, in the Samsung Open Final at Brighton yesterday gave the British No 1 his second title of the year, took his earnings past one million dollars in prize money, and confirmed his ranking as the world's No 10.