Oxfordshire star Tim Henman brushed aside talk of choking after losing a seventh consecutive final against Swede Thomas Enqvist in the ATP Masters Series in Cincinnati.

The British No 1, who had played dazzling tennis to spike big guns Pete Sampras and Gustavo Kuerten en route to the final, could not tame seventh seed Enqvist, who served brilliantly in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 win.

But 15th seed Henman said: I can absolutely say that I did not lose this match, Thomas won it.

There were so many good points to this week. If I play like this and keep on improving, there is no reason why I cannot win a major title soon.

Of course, it was frustrating to lose. But I also beat Pete (Sampras) for the first time and also Gustavo Kuerten (double French Open champion and current points leader). Should have, could have . . . it was still a great match. I'm struggling to improve, but I've been working hard since the end of last year and the results are starting to come.

I've talked about being patient and that's what I still have to do."