Oxfordshire tennis star Tim Henman came through his 'Battle of Britain' with Greg Rusedski and then backed his Davis Cup teammate to help him keep their country among the world's best.

Henman triumphed 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Hardcourt Championships but then said he wanted Rusedski to join him in a winning Great Britain team when they play Sweden later this year.

Henman came through a tough match to take his win record to 4-2 against Rusedski and set up a semi-final clash with Alberto Martin in Adelaide.

"It was really tough. It was always going to be difficult playing Greg," said Henman. "He's been serving really well again.

"I was really pleased with the way I played. I was able to return well, and some of the times when he was at the net I hit some good passing shots."

Henman looked forward to teaming up with Rusedski after they inspired Britain to victory in Ecuador last year which earned them promotion back to the Davis Cup World Group.

Now Britain's top player hopes to keep his country among the world's elite by avoiding a repeat relegation.

"Greg is playing really well and that bodes well for the Davis Cup," said Henman.

"Now we want to have a win in the World Group.