Tim Henman admitted Greg Rusedski had made life difficult for him after disposing of his compatriot in their absorbing all-British second-round contest at the Hamburg Masters Series.

The fifth seed and British number one overcame rain, wind and a Rusedski fightback to set up a third-round meeting with Argentinian Juan Ignacio Chela after winning an intriguing encounter in straight sets 7-6 (7-3) 6-4.

The match was Henman's second tour victory over his rival this year, taking his total to seven successes in nine meetings between the pair.

But even though Rusedski has not beaten Henman since 1998, the 30-year-old from Oxford was adamant he was tested by his former Davis Cup team-mate on the clay-court surface.

''Greg made it tough for me and I had to really raise my game,'' said Henman. The ball was hardly getting up. I had to play good tennis to win.''

After a rain-delayed start, Rusedski was first to break serve and claim a 4-3 first-set lead, flashing a delightful backhand volley across the court, before Henman failed to make contact with a deep forehand return.

However, Rusedski failed to capitalise as Henman hit back, saving a set point on his opponent's serve with a glorious backhand pass which helped him to break back and make it 5-5.

Henman wrapped up the first set, winning the tie-break 7-3 as he produced a string of excellent cross-court forehands.

Henman stormed into a 4-0 second-set lead and there was only a temporary reprieve for Rusedski as he fought back to win three consecutive games, before Henman went on to clinch set and match.