Henman confirms retirement
Back injury forces change of heart for former British number one
By Andy Clarke Last updated: 28th August 2007
Henman: Set to retire
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Tim Henman has announced that he will retire from tennis after the Davis Cup tie against Croatia next month.
Henman, who is currently preparing for next week's US Open, confirmed what has become an open secret at a press conference in New York.
The former British number one, who turns 33 on September 6, is on the brink of dropping out of the world's top 100 players after a difficult season in which he has been troubled by a persistent back injury.
He has won only five of the 16 matches he has been able to play this year, going out in the second round at Wimbledon where he has reached the semi-finals on four occasions.
Earlier this year, Henman insisted he would overcome his fitness problems and play on for another three years. However, the strain of battling against injury has become too much to bear.
Incentive
"The issues with my back have affected my performance and made my life a little bit harder and less enjoyable from that point of view," Henman said as he announced his decision to quit.
"From a personal point of view with our third child on the way there's an even bigger incentive to be at home.
"It gets harder and harder to be away from your family and that has had a bearing on my decision.
"It's not necessarily the end of things for me. It's a new beginning and I'd like to feel there's a lot of opportunities out there for me.
"In the short term I'm looking forward to stepping away from things and enjoying some time at home.
"I don't envisage myself stepping away from the game for good because it's been such a big part of my life and I look forward to exploring those opportunities."
No to Wimbledon
Henman admitted that he had intended to play at Wimbledon one last time before the end of his career but that his fitness problems had made it a goal that was not worth chasing.
He added: "I think I probably did hope to play at Wimbledon next year but I think when I started practising again on hard courts, the way I felt helped it become a little more clear cut for me.
"Playing in that pain and the problem in my back made it an uphill battle and
one that was getting harder and harder to fulfil.
"For the level I've played and the things I have been able to achieve in tennis I didn't want to keep plugging away for the limited rewards it looked like I would be getting.
"For me to hang around for nine months just play at Wimbledon for the sake of it doesn't appeal.
"I'm sure if I was asked 'do I want to go back and play Wimbledon one last
time?' I really feel the simple answer is 'no'."
In his 14-year professional career, Henman won 11 ATP Tour titles and reached a highest ranking of fourth in July 2002.
His 11th and last title came at the Paris Masters in 2003, while he reached his last final towards the end of last season when he was beaten by Roger Federer in Tokyo.
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Comments
Ben Alford says...
A legend for the country, people dont seem to understand what this man has done for tennis in england, lack of talent and then came a young man who said i want to make england, love tennis. because of this man we are able to bring up players such as jamie and andy murray, i feel so sorry for the lad because he was a true english man, the detmination of the man is outstounding, he never moaned he is a legend of cricket for being a ambassador of english cricket
Posted 10:53 19th September 2007
Nick Coulson says...
Now Tim has retired, it gives us a chance to look back at his career without being biased. He summed it up best when he stated in his press conference - "I was as good as I could have been". This simple statement sums up all that is best about the man. Honest, courteous and respectful. Unfortunate to be around in the era of Sampras and Federer, when else have we produced a sportsman who has achieved so consistently?! Don't remember him for not winning Wimbledon, remember him for reigniting our passion in Wimbledon and Tennis, for that amazing five-setter in 96 against Kafelnikov and for living with the best for the majority of his career. Most people only watched Tim for two weeks every Summer, and forget he performed well all year. Number 4 in the world is no easy task and if in doubt, read what people like Sampras and McEnroe have to say about him. A class act, thank you for the memories Tim.
Posted 13:19 25th August 2007
Mandy Smallwood says...
Why do you have to be noisy to be appreciated? Thank you,Tim, for your elegant play and never making excuses. You have had some bad luck and we would all have loved to see you win Wimbledon. It's sad you have to retire through injury. We shall miss you and thank you for giving us drama, sportsmanship and your all on court. Good luck and enjoy your young family.
Posted 11:23 24th August 2007
Mark Davids says...
Finally! Sure he was graceful and majestic at the net, but he never had the quality to be a world beater! Good effort for sure - deserved of the titles - a tennis great or tennis legend - not even close.... Sail into the sunset Tim, the Scotsman has arrived to steal your thunder ...
Posted 09:37 24th August 2007
Sarah Clift says...
Dear Tim, May i thank you for the last decade of absolutely brilliant tennis i have always enjoyed watching you play, the high and lows of every match just like so many other fans. Wimbledon will never be the same without you but maybe you can help the young players to achieve what you have, and help produce an english wimbledon champion!! All the best in your retirement.
Posted 08:23 24th August 2007
Mo Halloum says...
Henman has always been a great entertainer no matter what the critics say about him. He was arguably one of the best volleyers in the game and there was no doubt about that. I would have loved to see Timmy win Wimbledon but unfortunately Federer had to be around and he played in the days of the legends. Outside Wimbledon Henman Hill will always be called Henman Hill as thats where his loyal fans remain. Thanks Tim and all the best for the future and good luck at the US Open Mo
Posted 01:20 24th August 2007
Natalio Ortiz says...
Dear Tim, Thank you for being a great ambassador for British Tennis and the entertainment you gave us for all those special wimbledon matches. You will be sorely missed at next years championships. To stay at the top ten for all those years is a magnificient achievement and something to be proud of. I wish you the best in the future.
Posted 00:19 24th August 2007
Sheila Williams says...
Very sorry to hear that TimHenman is going to retire. He has been brilliant for british tennis. I only hope he will continue to play perhaps as a doubles player because I think he could be good at that as he has the ability and a good eye especially at the net.
Posted 23:41 23rd August 2007
Les Graham says...
Thanks for the last 10 to 15 years. What on earth would we have done without your fantastic effort for british Tennis, people who mock you and call you a loser really have no idea what it takes to compete with the best in the world for a decade, who else in british sport can say that, well done, thank you and good luck for the future. Les Graham
Posted 23:17 23rd August 2007
Craig Carr says...
Tim Henman has acheived alot over the years and people give him stick. Why?? People think because he didnt win Wimbedon he is a failure. Wil Andy Murray be classed a failure if he too doesnt win Wimbeon?? Think not.
Posted 23:06 23rd August 2007
Lars Lindqvist says...
Tim has always been a true gentleman. His skills didn't quite suffice to conquer the Grand slams but it wasn't due to lack of trying. It would be pointless for him to go on considering his age and physical standard. Thanks for some entertaining and elegant play Tim!
Posted 22:49 23rd August 2007
David Tregoning says...
I wish he had played another Wimbledon, just so his fans could see him one last time and give him a proper send off, with the respect that he deserves. Fantastic player, anybody that disagrees knows nothing about tennis and, until Andy Murray wins the major that everybody is saying he will, the best british player around. I wish he had won wimbledon in 2001, that was his great chance, but it wasn't meant to be.
Posted 20:04 23rd August 2007
Harry Phillips says...
I am by no means a Henman fan as I think his game is a bit too robotic, but no one can argue against what he has achieved he is the best player this country has ever produced his manner is impeccable and it is a shame that he has been forced to retire early, thanks for all you have given to the game Tim
Posted 20:01 23rd August 2007
Paul Maguire says...
Those who don't appreciate Henman's achievements in the last decade are quick to hail him as a loser, but the reality is he has maximized his talents and achieved more in his sport than virtually any other British performer in the last decade. How many England footballers can we honestly say were in the top five of their profession for five years? The answer is none so let's give Henman the credit he deserves.
Posted 16:42 23rd August 2007
Jason Saunders says...
Thanks for the great entertainment over the years Tim. You will be greatly missed. The last of the great serve and volleyers. All the best in your new life and hope to maybe see you as an addition on a tennis commentary team some day. Jason
Posted 16:25 23rd August 2007
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