1 Response to wb98henman_rafter

1. Voo de Mar says:

   July 20, 2022 at 10:46 am

   The stats without 5 games of the 3rd set (87%). Numbers of aces, double faults & break points are ok for the entire match.

   Fascinating match-up between two purest serve-and-volleyers of the late 90s (along with Jan Siemerink): both players were considered as potential Wimbledon champions at the time. Henman displayed immaculate service performance until 5:3* in the 2nd set – with hard serving he kept at 75% 1st serves in! Rafter got three points thanks to backhand passes winning 7/3 the tie-break, having only two BH winners before… The 3rd set was longer than the previous set despite three games fewer, because Henman held to lead 3:0 after six deuces & Rafter needed a couple of deuces to hold for 2:4 (saved three break points). The Australian received a three-minute medical time-out after losing his serve to open the 4th set (pain in left thigh & loin part of the back), Henman asked for a toilet break leading *3:2. Ultimately the Englishman took the final five games of the 2-hour 33-minute duel.

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