TIM Henman's progression to the semi-finals of the US Open is a smack in the mouth for those who blindly dismiss him as rubbish.

His American campaign has been the best of his impressive Gran Slam career, following a run to the last eight at Wimbledon and a semi-final appearance at the French Open in spring.

Henman has proved himself one of the world's best tennis players for a decade.

It is a shame that, instead of receiving the support he deserves, he is constantly derided in his own country. But that says more about the ignorance of his detractors than the quality of Henman.