Tim Henman declared that he could still one day become Wimbledon champion despite his semi-final defeat to wild card Goran Ivanisevic.

The British number one has now lost in the last four on three occasions at the All-England club.

The sixth seed said: "Unfortunately my best was not good enough this year but I certainly know I'll be back for many more tries.

"I've said for many years I believe I'll win this tournament and it certainly isn't any different this year."

Henman admitted the initial rain break on Friday, when he had just taken the third set 6-0 in 15 minutes, played into his opponent's hands.

But Henman refused to use it as an excuse.

"It (the match) was certainly in my favour at that time but sometimes they hinder and sometimes they help," he added.

"It (the rain) certainly helped me against Todd Martin but having won 10 of 11 games against Goran I think I was in the process of dismantling his game.

"It is just that these were the most difficult circumstances off the court."

The Oxfordshire player admitted that he played to his best ability during the three days.

"I think I played three days consecutively, with Martin and Roger Federer," added Henman.

"It has been tough but I dealt with it the best I could."

And Henman paid tribute to Ivanisevic, who now plays Australian Pat Rafter in Monday's final.

"In the circumstances it feels like it has been a very long three days, " Henman added.

"But it was the same for both of us and you have to give Goran credit for the way he played.

"He certainly deserved a wild card... in fact if it had been up to me I would have given him one."

Despite his respect for the Croatian it is the Australian he is tipping for the final.

"It's a great story because you would think its their last chance for glory, " he said.

"Good luck to them both, but if I had to back someone then I would have to back Rafter."