Far from being drained by a fortnight of gruelling claycourt tennis, Tim Henman believes his foray deep into uncharted territory at the French Open will boost his Wimbledon chances later this month.
Henman enjoyed a spectacular Roland Garros run, becoming the first Briton in 41 years to reach the semi-finals. He ran Argentine Guillermo Coria close in an enthralling match before finally packing his bags to return to London.
Next week he hones his grasscourt game at the traditional warm-up event at London's Queen's Club, and rejects any notion his unusually long stay in Paris can be anything but good news.
"I'll be going to Queen's with a lot of wins under my belt... and a lot of confidence," the 29-year-old said.
Henman, four times a losing semi-finalist at Wimbledon, had never progressed beyond the fourth round of any Grand Slam away from his beloved All England Club until his run in the French capital.
Now he wants to maintain the momentum.
"I've got over two weeks... If I was physically and mentally exhausted then maybe (there would be a downside to his Parisian exertions)... but no, there's none at all.
"I've still got over two weeks and I think the time it takes me to adapt to a grass court is pretty quick.
"I'm looking forward to going to Queen's. The whole crux of what I am doing with my game is clarity, and imposing my style.
"Every time you stand up to serve or return you should have a plan. On grass, it theoretically should be the easiest because the points are shorter.
"I am pretty optimistic about taking that attitude on to grass."
Henman said he would take just one day off before swapping his claycourt shoes for grasscourt ones.
"I do feel mentally and physically very fresh," he said. "I'll be looking forward to hitting some balls on grass on Sunday or Monday.
"I'm sure I will be ready to play on Wednesday."
If nothing else, Henman's Paris run seems to have instilled in him more confidence and self-worth, something that will stand him in good stead at Wimbledon.
And anyone expecting to see Henman anywhere but at the net at Wimbledon will be disappointed.
"I believe I am the best volleyer in the world," he said. "I think add to that, I am the best athlete at the net. It's about playing to your strengths and committing to it.
"It's the hardest style for me to try and play on clay but I think I did a pretty good job of it.
"I am excited about continuing that on other surfaces."
