Henman's run galvinised the British support

"He's a bit boring though," added Vicky.

Strangely enough the word "dull" appears to creep into people's conversations whenever Henman's name comes up.

"Agassi is sexy, and I really think Henman is as dull as ditchwater," says a female fan from Lincolnshire.

But just as she is making her point, Henman suddenly appears out of the blue.

Surrounded by his groupies and bodyguards, he walks straight past us - and his critic from Lincoln cries: "There's Tim. He's gorgeous. Get a picture of him".

Such is the fickle nature of Wimbledon spectators.

By 1700BST the Centre Court crowd has just witnessed one of the finest exhibtions of men's tennis between Andre Agassi and victor Pat Rafter.

With one of Sunday's finalist known, Henman steps out at 1720BST - to half the crowd which saw the previous match.

Heavens open

One of the many security officers dotted round the arena, Ray Pheasant, explains: "They've probably gone to the toilet, or gone for a snack - but they'll be back."

'Henman Hill'

With the scores at 5-5 after 30 minutes played the crowd are back to watch their "Timmy" try and save break point - which suffice to say he does not.

But with the majority of the now packed house behind him, Henman finds his gears and takes the second set on a tie-break and the third emphatically, 6-0.

The weather had been good to Wimbledon - up until the point where Henman has taken a 2-1 lead in the fourth set.

Down comes the rain, off goes Henman and on comes an army officer to do his cabaret piece, by raising both arms in the direction of each section of the crowd - an act that somehow triggers a loud cheer.

Well, it keeps the fans happy, until the voice on the tannoy (who likes to state the obvious by telling everybody that it is raining) tells the remaining Centre Court crowd that play has been suspended.

Saturday 7 July 2001

The schedule shows that Henman is due to continue his match against Ivanisevic at 1300BST, but the omens look bad.

The weather forecast says there is a 70% chance of rain, and lo and behold the dark clouds gather and rain begins to spit down.

Hats my boy: Henman had an army of fans

Outside, crowds are flocking in, both to see the conclusion of the semi-final and the women's final between Venus Williams and Justine Henin.

The "Hill" has become heavily populated by 1130 with the public entertained (open to debate), by the Big Band, who are charging through a number of easy listening tracks.

On Centre Court the eager crowd are entertained by their own Big Band - impressionist Alastair McGowan and former American president Bill Clinton.

But is there going to be any tennis?

Well at 1731 Henman and Ivanisevic finally re-emerge from their changing rooms to huge cheers.

After a quick warm-up, play is under way.

With the fourth set going to a tie-break, the Centre Court crowd are brought to the edge of their seats.

Could he do it? Could Henman finally realise his dream?

Two dubious line calls meant, no.

Ivanisevic wins the fourth and soon the match goes into a decider.

All seems to be going swimmingly, until the rain clouds appear and referee Alan Mills calls for play to be suspended once again, with the score at 3-2 to Ivanisevic.

Frustration for both the players and the fans. The umbrellas go back up and Henman's moment of possible glory is once again put on hold.

Sunday 8 July 2001

Sunday morning - more drizzle.

There is a mood of pessimism throughout Wimbledon as crowds, with tickets originally to see the men's final, are waiting to watch Henman complete his semi-final and then stick around for the delayed women's final.

Outside the complex, a queue begins to build for Monday's rescheduled men's final.

Union flags were all over SW19

Hopeful Henman fans and Rafter supporters had been camping out on the streets since the previous night after hearing the news that tickets would be available on a first-come first-served basis.

Back on Centre Court the sun begins to shine just before 1300, and within minutes the covers are off and both Henman and Ivanisevic are back on court.

The weather holds firm but Henman does not, and loses his serve in the eighth game.

Groans can be heard throughout the Wimbledon complex as Centre Court waits for Henman's final denouement.

There is a slightly subdued feeling afterwards among the fans who had watched only four games.

But because the match had been truncated on three occasions rather than played in one, that feeling soon passes.

Tennis fans are a hardy bunch, not prone to the naval-gazing so often seen with spectators of other more partisan - and more male-dominated - sports.

The topic of conversation soon switches to whose round it is in the Pimms tent - and, of course, who will win the women's final.