THOSE VERY MANNERED ENGLISH JOURNALISTS

British writers handle top star Henman with kid gloves

By Sandra Harwitt
tennisreporters.net

PARIS, June 1 – When you're a sportswriter from a small country that is mad about tennis and only has two player of note, you make sure to go out of your way not to offend the players. This is just the case with the corps of British journalists who cover Tim Henman and that Canadian import Greg Rusedski. Case in point, when Henman lost an agonizing 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 third round match to Guillermo Canas at Roland Garros on Friday, the British press treated their "Timmy" with kid gloves. Almost every question is asked in a way to compliment the British No. 1:

"Must be a feeling that you've made massive progress on clay?"

Susan Mullane
Camerawork USA, Inc.

"Every player knows there's no substitute for competitive matches. Is the best kind of therapy for you to get back straight on the grass and put this behind you?"

"Do you think your disappointment in going so close is compounded a bit by those last two games? Although you had moments of inspiration, it didn't exactly run for you in those two games."

"You touched upon this. But I think you said in the past that playing on clay, although it's obviously not your favorite surface, is a good preparation for the grass. Is that something you can elaborate on?"

tennisreporters.net is sure that there are many other players who would like the kid glove treatment from the media representatives from their own countries, but they probably shouldn't hold their breath waiting.

No Hiding Under Your Hat – Andy!
Here's a message for the newly-minted star Andy Roddick – if you want that Sports Illustrated cover shot, the prevailing opinion is you're going to have to remove the hat. Around the tennis tour, from the media to Andy's own agent, Ken Meyerson of SFX, the message is clear – stop hiding your good looks and come out from under the hat. Hey Andy – maybe GQ is in the offing.

Susan Mullane
Camerawork USA, Inc