Tim Henman was today planning to disarm one of tennis's young guns to continue his US Open dream.

The British No1 from Oxfordshire faces Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in the second round and there was no way he was underestimating what is essentially a journey into the unknown.

Gonzalez might be ranked 117 places below Henman, the world No 11, but his future is bright.

Already this summer, the 20-year-old has won his first tournament, in Orlando, and played in Chile's Davis Cup team.

I wouldn't say that I know a great deal about him, said Henman, whose match is due to start at 4pm British time on the Grandstand Court at Flushing Meadows.

But he's obviously had some good wins. He's won four matches this week and is in the second round of a Grand Slam. It's not going to be an easy match and he's not somebody to take lightly. I feel happy with my game and I'm looking forward to it. I know he has a big forehand and likes to have a lot of time.

Henman, from Weston-on-the-Green, was thus preparing to employ similarly aggressive tactics as those he used to sweep aside first-round opponent Fernando Vicente.

Greg Rusedski, meanwhile, faces a tougher task tomorrow against Frenchman Cedric Pioline though the British No 2's fans must be more optimistic after watching him demolish Sweden's Magnus Gustafsson yesterday.

Rusedski, returning after six weeks out with a foot injury and 11 weeks after his last tour victory, beat Gustafsson 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

Wimbledon winner Pete Sampras advanced to the third round by beating 88th-ranked American compatriot Justin Gimelstob 6-3, 6-1, 6-3

And in the women's draw, Venus Williams extended her winning streak to 21 matches when defeating 40th-ranked Czech Kveta Hrdlickova 6-1, 6-1 to reach the third round. Next up for the 13-time Grand Slam winner is Argentina's 72nd-ranked Agustin Calleri.

Also on the men's side, third seed Magnus Norman of Sweden, sixth seed Marat Safin of Russia, 10th seed Cedric Pioline of France and Australian 15th seed Mark Philippoussis all advanced to the second round.

It was the most nervous I've been before a match in years, but that's good because it means you are sharp and hungry.

And for the first few games I couldn't have played better tennis. But the most important thing was to come off the court feeling healthy.

Rusedski has been training for four hours a day for the last 10 days after flying to a German clinic to seek a remedy for his persistent foot problem.

But while he was delighted with the first round win he was not getting carried away. I'm really pleased with the way I played. I wasn't really concerned about whether I won or lost. I just wanted to play the tennis I know I can, he said.

I've not felt like that the whole year. It's been a real struggle with my fitness and I hope that is behind me.

I served smart, mixed it up and my volleys were solid. I only hit two bad volleys in three sets

I might not be able to win tournaments yet, or beat guys in the top 10, but it showed I am able to play well and I can build on this for next year.

Rusedski admitted he has been getting back to basics after sacking his coach and best man Sven Groeneveld and hiring his former trainer Scott Brooke.

My serve has not been that great recently so I have been working at improving other aspects of my game, he said.

I'm attacking more, chipping and charging. And with my footwork I'm moving much better. I'm happy where I am now. I'll take a lot from this.