The Hamm Bennett

After his epic 2-6, 6-4, 7-9 defeat, Tim Bennett refused to be downbeat: "All credit to Dan, he was the better player on the day" said Bennett. "On a different day, at a different time, the result would have been different. It's a massive question of 'what ifs', 'herebutfors' and 'hithertos'."

Asked why his hard-hitting baseline rhythm took a set and a half to discover, Bennett jovially blamed his breakfast: "I had some 'Hamm' for breakfast but not in the way I would have preferred. Next year I'll stick to the corn flakes" he joked.

Almost ten days after the event, Bennett's refusal to take part in a joint lap of honour remains highly controversial. "Let's just say I don't celebrate other people's success especially when serve-enhancing substances may have been involved" he commented.