Henman nets Sampras's former coach

Tim Henman, having modelled his game on American great Pete Sampras, has now hired the former champion's coach Paul Annacone on a part-time basis.

The British No1, without a coach since splitting with Larry Stefanki after the US Open in September, finished an otherwise disappointing 2003 tennis season with an unexpected first Masters Series victory in Paris.

Henman believes he has benefited to some extent from the absence of a fulltime coach and said: "I've enjoyed considerable success when I've had the freedom to make my own decisions. On the other hand, I've also learned a great deal from both David (Felgate) and Larry (Stefanki).

"This time I want to try and get the best of both worlds by working with a coach on a part-time basis."