Tom Pocock sought inspiration from Tim Henman in preparation for his Australian Junior Open title bid in Melbourne.

The 17-year-old from Ferring made the main draw on ranking for the first time.

Pocock, who has a passing similarity to the British No.1, witnessed Henman's opening round victory in the senior event against Australian Todd Larkham in the Rod Laver Arena.

It followed a practice session for the world No.69 junior with last year's Wimbledon semi-finalist.

Pocock said: "I hit with Tim just before Christmas which I enjoyed.

"I managed to get into Tim's guest box thanks to Roger Taylor, the Davis Cup captain. He got three other British boys in there too."

"I got a real feel for what a Grand Slam is all about when I watched him against Todd.

"I liked the atmosphere. The crowd was really friendly. I think I'd enjoy playing in front of one like it. I like a few people watching."

Pocock, with Ross Hutchins, Alex Bogdanovic and Matthew Smith, witnessed Henman make short work of Larkham.

The West Worthing Club member warmed up for the Open with a tight 4-6 7-5 7-5 defeat against Mexican Antonio Ruiz in the Australian Hardcourt Championships in Melbourne this week after making the second round of the Victorian Hardcourt Championships at Trarallgon, where he beat Rishi Behl (India) 6-1 6-2 before going out 6-1 6-0 to Steve Darcis (Belgium).

The Sussex ace reached the semi-finals of the Australian Junior Open boys' doubles with Andrew Banks last year.

Pocock, ranked ten in the world in doubles, has entered this year with Hutchins, son of former Davis Cup captain Paul, with Banks having moved out of the age group.

Hutchins injured his knee in the Victorian Open Hardcourt Championship when the pair retired against eventual champions Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfride Thonga.

Pocock played with Smith at the Australian Hardcourt Championships and scored an opening round 6-4 6-3 win against Australians Raphael Durek and Robert Smeets.