Former Brit player Henman backs Federer to lead tennis rankings

Irish Sun (ANI) Thursday 15th December, 2011

Former British tennis ace Tim Henman has backed Roger Federer to win more Grand Slams and become a top-ranked player in 2012.

"I think with a rolling ranking it will be interesting to see if Federer can get back to No.1.He is just short of Sampras' record and I know Roger will really want to break that, so I think it's possible," The Mirror quoted Henman, as saying.

Henman believes Federer, 30, would grab the limelight at the Australian Open next month.

"I think he will win more Slams. If the conditions favour him, then Roger at his best is still better than anyone," he added.

Federer returned to World No.3 after winning the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London last month but failed to break his two- year Major title drought.

"My highlight of 2011 has to be Federer winning in London. I've always been a Federer fan because I love the way he plays, and while he's lost a few matches this year, he deserved to win in London.It's amazing people were trying to write him off," Henman said.

Federer had earlier led the rankings for about 285 weeks - one short of the record held by Pete Sampras. (ANI)