Henmania roared through Wimbledon on People's Sunday as the British number one gave another rollercoaster performance yesterday to ensure his place in the fourth round of the tournament.

Tim Henman was buoyed by the energy of a madcap crowd which cheered and catcalled their way through his four-set victory against Hicham Arazi 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

It is only the third time in the tournament's history that organisers have been forced to set up games on the middle Sunday - traditionally a rest day - because two complete days were rained off last week.

Although 28,000 tickets were made available by the All England Club, only 18,000 had been snapped up by 2pm, leaving many of the outside courts devoid of spectators.

But Centre Court and Henman Hill were packed as fans cheered on the sole homegrown hope left in the tournament.

There was a carnival atmosphere as a sea of Union Flags, hats and wigs mingled with St George's flags. Football chants were adapted for the tennis, while Mexican Waves filled breaks in play.

After losing in the third set and being broken in the fourth, sporadic shouts of "Go On Tim" and "We Love You Tim" inspired Henman to raise his game.

As he sealed his victory, Henman gratefully applauded the crowd.

Afterwards, he voiced his support for making People's Sunday a regular fixture.

"I'm sure there's going to be debate whether this should happen every year," he said. "But from a playing point of view it's a privilege.

"It is absolutely phenomenal - when you walk out on the court, the buzz and the the excitement is incredible."

It is the second time Henman has played on a People's Sunday. In 1997, he clinched an epic five set victory against Dutch player Paul Haarhuis in the final set. "I can understand how it is tough to organise but it is such a great atmosphere," he said.

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