Mario Ancic

by Mike Donovan

A new star was born at Wimbledon today as Tim Henman, the fifth seed, was knocked out in the quarter-finals by an unseeded Croat. The British No.1, who was striving for his fifth semi-final at The Championships, fell to 20-year-old Mario Ancic in 2 hours 12 minutes, 7-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Three years ago, rain interrupted Henman when he led his semi-final against Goran Ivanisevic, and he went on to lose the match. Today, the wet stuff came too late to deliver salvation. More tellingly, in steeling himself against the anticipated wave of Henmania on Centre Court, the youngster showed the sort of composure his mentor, Ivanisevic, often lacked. The patriotic crowd, with their painted faces, flags and cries of "C'mon Tim", were subdued.

For his part, Henman came into the match knowing full well he was up against the last player to defeat champion Roger Federer at Wimbledon, a feat Ancic achieved as a qualifier in the opening round two years ago.

It was clear Henman's game plan was to play serve and volley tennis. He had achieved success in earlier rounds by mixing it up to keep his opponents guessing. But Ancic was able to read the British No.1's intentions all too clearly.

Even so, Henman played good tennis in the opening set, pressing the big serve of the Croat and earning a break point. But he couldn't consolidate and had to ace his way out of trouble in the next game.

Serving at 5-6, the home favourite was called upon to save a set point to take the contest to a tiebreak. Once there, Ancic secured three more set points but Henman could only save two of them.

Henman's first serve, which had at least been consistent in the opening set, began to crumble. Double faults crept into his play and Ancic's confidence only grew.

He might be 6ft 5in but the Croat showed deft touch at the net and finesse from the baseline. It was a mature display. Added to Henman's erratic delivery, it was enough to score Ancic three successive breaks. The Briton struggled to read the Ancic serve with the kind of success he was able to muster against Mark Philippoussis in the fourth round. The Croat sealed a two-set lead when a net cord off a forehand volley went his way.

But luck had nothing to do with the 20-year-old's win. Twice at the French Open Henman clawed his way back from a two set deficit, and he must have clung to the hope he could do it again. It was not to be. Breaking Henman twice more, Ancic kept his natural volatility in check. He simply played too well - and a gracious Henman knew it.

Ancic has been receiving tips from his celebrated countryman since the age of 10. He also has Rohan Goetzkee in his corner as a coach. Bookies take note: It was Goetzkee who guided Richard Krajicek to the Wimbledon title eight years ago.