Tim Henman marched into the third round of Wimbledon yesterday and he's getting better and better.

The British No 1 saw off Arnaud Clement of France 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Centre Court and declared himself "very satisfied" with the progress he is making.

The Oxfordshire star now faces Morocco's Hicham Arazi tomorrow and looks to be well capable of equalling his feat of the last two years in getting through to the semi-finals.

And Henman is determined to give it his best shot.

"I want to look back at the end of my career and say I did everything I could. I worked as hard as I possibly was able to at all times." Henman, back on his favourite Centre Court, was always in control against the flashy Frenchman.

Making few unforced errors in a match lasting two hours eight minutes, Henman was never less than impressive, and his play, and confidence, have visibly improved with each set he has played at these Championships.

With his bandana and dark glasses, and expressive Gallic mannerisms, the 22-year-old from Provence was as diametrically opposite to archetypal Englishman 'Henners' as it was possible to get.

But while Clement seemed at times to be only there for the party, the Weston-on-the-Green star made sure he was business-like and efficient.

Henman broke in the seventh game of the opening set and served out on his first set point after he had recovered from 0-30 with two aces.

Clement was broken again in the first game of the second set and although the Frenchman hit back in the fourth, Henman broke again as it got towards the nitty-gritty. The third set followed exactly the same pattern and even a succession of mobile phones going off in the crowd couldn't put Henman off.

The crowd rose to him, as they always do on Centre Court, and he gave his customary wave around each of the four sides and tossed his wristband into the group of fans nearest to him.

Afterwards, Henman said: "I felt like I needed to keep the consistency up in all aspects of my game. To come through in straight sets is a good win."

"To be back on Centre Court was a good feeling. I have spoken about trying to travel with an excessive entourage with the crowd. It is. They're phenomenal."