Sussex star Martin Lee is backing Britain's new teen tennis sensation to make an impact in the senior ranks.

He believes Lee Childs has the will to succeed, providing he avoids distractions and people don't expect too much too soon.

Childs is being touted as the next Tim Henman after winning the national title and making a stunning ATP Tour debut here on Monday.

The 18-year-old from Somerset beat world No. 92 Armenian Sargis Sargsian in straight sets to clinch a second round clash today against Ivan Ljubicic.

Lee, the last great British hope to follow in Henman's footsteps following a glittering junior career, has experienced the burden of expectation.

The Worthing left-hander is confident his conqueror in the quarter-finals of the nationals has the character to cope.

"You have got to be strong," Lee said. "Now Lee has come through everyone is expecting him to shoot up there.

"But in this game unless you are Lleyton Hewitt it takes a long time.

"Lee has improved so much in the last year. When I played him in the nationals it was a great match.

"He is strong minded and that will help him a lot. I think he has got a very good chance.

"If he improves this much every year he will definitely be up there.

"He has got to be determined and in some ways selfish. It's your life and you have to be focused on what you want to achieve. If he does that you can't go wrong."

Lee insists he should not be written off.

"I got to my highest ranking this year of 175," he said. "I missed the first four months through injury, so I am pleased with my progress.

"I still think I am on course. I am only 22. Everyone thinks I am 25 or 26 and over the hill, but I'm progressing well."

See the Argus every day this week for the top interviews from the Brighton Centre.