Tim Henman eased his way through to the third round with a comfortable straight sets victory over fellow Briton Martin Lee.

The British number one had far too much class for 23-year-old Lee who made a nervy opening on Centre Court.

Henman said afterwards he had been determined not repeat the mistakes of previous Wimbledons, when he has spent too much energy on early opponents.

"I have made it difficult with some tough five-set matches that have taken a lot out of me mentally and physically.

"I decided I need to preserve my strength so I am pleased to have come thorugh the first two rounds in six straight sets."

But Henman admitted he had not fully enjoyed the experience of needing to batter another Briton.

"It was not the easiest of matches as it was a little bit awkward.

"The crowd were a bit subdued to begin with but as we got into it so did they.

"Martin had a lot to gain and I had a lot to lose.

Baseline choice

"I had practiced with him for the Davis Cup so I had seen for myself the type of tennis he can play. It made me very aware of what to expect from him.

"That was why I was so aggresive, I knew I couldn't give him any little opportunities to get into the match.".

Henman broke in the opening game and raced into a 3-0 lead before Lee, the British number three, had settled.

But even then Henman's advances to the net and Lee's preference to stay at the baseline meant there was only ever one result likely.

Henman broke again in the eighth game to take the first set 6-2.

And there was little change in the second set as Henman broke in the third game and went on to win that one 6-3.

Lee briefly rallied in the third set, but never looked likely to be able to force Henman into a fourth.

He broke Henman's serve in the fourth game, then raced through his own service game to love, but his recovery was shortlived and Henman went on to finish the match 6-4 in the third set.

Henman will meet Sjeng Schalken of the Netherlands in the next round.