Henman exploits static Rusedski

Tim Henman admitted he took full advantage of Greg Rusedski's impaired mobility after emerging victorious in what could be the final duel between the British pair.

Henman eased to a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 6-3 win in the first round of the US Open on Wednesday night to set up a second-round meeting with defending champion Roger Federer. The 31-year-old British number two notched an impressive 39 winners against 32-year-old Rusedski, who was hampered by a hip problem.

"As he loses a little bit of strength in his hip, he wasn't coming forward so much," Henman said. "I can exploit that a little bit more. Yeah, I think as the match wore on, he was obviously getting a bit sore."

Rusedski, who is contemplating retiring in the near future, raced into a 3-0 first-set lead but Henman fought back to force a tie-break.

At 4-4, Rusedski netted a forehand and Henman won the next two points on serve to close out the set.

He then opened a quick 3-0 lead in the second set, breaking Rusedski again in the eighth game to open a commanding two-set advantage.

Henman converted the only break point of the third set in the eighth game for a 5-3 advantage before dropping just one point on serve to close out the match in one hour 55 minutes.

"Playing Federer is going to be brutal, but at least he can have a swing," Rusedski said.

"[He is] probably going to go on Center court and enjoy himself. Good luck to him."