Tim Henman produced a near-perfect performance to cruise past Gustavo Kuerten 6-4 6-2 at the Paris Masters. The British number one is now in the quarter-finals of a Masters Series event for the first time this year.
"That win was special, and I wish there was a few more like that," Henman said.
"I hardly made any mistakes - it was a lot of fun for me. There is no focus on trying to win this week, I am just looking to improve a few areas of my game."
Henman, who shocked seventh seed Sebastien Grosjean in the previous round, was superior to Kuerten in every department.
After a slow start in which he had to save two early break points, Henman broke at 2-2 in the first set and was rarely in trouble again against the three-times French Open champion.
The Briton goes on to face Wimbledon champion Roger Federer in the quarter-finals.
Federer was earlier in unconvincing form against Martin Verkerk, eventually emerging with a 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (14-12) 7-6 (8-6) win which took over two and a half hours.
"Federer has been playing phenomenally well this season," said Henman.
"But he may be a little bit tired because of the match he played tonight. If I keep that intensity in my game who knows?
"On the other hand, Federer has such a high quality of tennis with such a variety of shots.
"But anyway I am still extremely relaxed about the whole week."
MMIX
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