Rusedski's better luck hope

Rusedski is back on his favourite surface - grass

British number two Greg Rusedski begins his preparations for Wimbledon on Monday when he takes on South Africa's Wayne Ferreira at the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's Club.

Rusedski has had a disastrous clay season and has been troubled by a foot injury.

But he is aiming to put the last few months behind him and look forward to a great summer.

He won his first grass-court match of the season beating Andrew Ilie at the Powder Byrne Trophy in Surbiton on Saturday.

And the crowds which are set to turn out to see him at Queen's on Monday are hoping to see success continuing.

I really do believe that I have a great chance of winning the Stella and Wimbledon

Tim Henman

Tim Henman believes a few home comforts can help him to Wimbledon glory.

The British number one begins his preparations for Wimbledon on Tuesday at the £530,000 Stella Artois Championships.

He is confident he can go one better than last year's final appearance at Queen's and semi-final at the All England Club when close friend Pete Sampras ended his victory hopes on both occasions.

Defeat at the hands of Sampras in a thrilling three-set match last year was one of six consecutive final losses that have raised questions about Henman's ability to compete at the very highest level.

Upward curve

But the 25-year-old insists his career is still on an upward curve and he is looking forward to three weeks on his favourite surface and a rare chance to spend some time at home after the hard grind of the clay-court season.

"Of course I can remember all those finals in great detail and can replay the crucial points, but it's not as if I've lost to bad players," said Henman, who has reached the Wimbledon semis for the last two years.

Henman is feeling confident

"It was Pete Sampras at last year's Stella for instance, so that's no disgrace.

"I'm not proud of losing them either, but it's important to remember that getting to six finals and beating some of the world's best players along the way isn't bad.

"It's a lot better than bouncing out in the first round six times.

"But it doesn't depress me or get me down because I know deep inside that I will win more titles. I'm getting closer and closer each time. I really do believe that I have a great chance of winning the Stella and Wimbledon.

"I just feel so comfortable. I love playing on grass; I get to spend six weeks at home, which is the longest period I ever get there - and I love the pressure from being the big hope to win Wimbledon.

"I just wish I could play every match of the year on Centre Court."

Another Brit, exciting prospect Arvind Parmar - who lost to Rusedksi at Wimbledon last year - kicks off the action on centre court against Australian former champion Scott Draper at 1300 BST followed by Rusedski's match.

Sampras could again wreck Henman's hopes of a home victory as he prepares to try and win a record 13th Grand Slam title at the All England Club in three weeks' time.

And Andre Agassi is also aiming for a Stella success after crashing out of the French Open early.