Tim Henman will take a step into the unknown when he faces unseeded Georgian Irakli Labadze for a place in the final of the Indian Wells Masters Series. Henman goes into Saturday's semi-final high on confidence after his victory over US Open champion Andy Roddick.
The British number one, who is due on court at about 2200 GMT, has never faced Labadze - ranked 90 and contesting his first ATP semi-final.
At stake is a meeting with world number one Roger Federer or Andre Agassi.
Labadze booked his semi-final place with a surprise 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-1 victory over James Blake.
The 22-year-old left-hander from Tbilisi had not won a match this year before Indian Wells, and Henman will be expected to beat him comfortably.
Henman's 6-7 (8-6) 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 victory over Roddick, which improved his head-to-head record against the American to 3-1, could be seen as a good omen.
 |  In years gone by I think I wanted to win almost too much and that affected my performance |
He beat Roddick in Washington and Paris last year, and went on to win both tournaments.
"I feel calmer and much more relaxed on the court," said Henman.
"In years gone by, it's not the worst thing to be guilty of, but I've sometimes been trying a little bit too hard.
"I think I wanted to win almost too much. And that affected my performance.
"I think I've realised it's not going to do me any good. I'll just compete as best I can.
"If that's maturity, or being a father, or having more success and being a bit more confident, then I'm happy that it's that way now."
Henman also enjoys an impressive record against Australian Open champion Federer, whom he could face in the final.
He has beaten the Swiss six times in seven meetings, including a straight-sets win to reach the semi-finals in Rotterdam last month.
Henman has played Agassi just three times, losing twice - the most recent a three-sets defeat in Miami in 2000.
MMIX
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