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Post Info TOPIC: Henman decides to quit Davis Cup


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Henman decides to quit Davis Cup







Henman decides to quit Davis Cup







Tim Henman

I've played some of my best tennis... on Davis Cup duty Tim Henman has retired from Great Britain's Davis Cup team.

The 30-year-old, who made his Davis Cup debut in 1994, is now set to fully focus on the ATP Tour and on winning his first Grand Slam event.

"I've made no secret of the fact that representing Great Britain has always been a top priority for me throughout my career," Henman told his website.

Captain Jeremy Bates has touted Alex Bogdanovic and Andrew Murray as possible replacements for the veteran.

Henman added that he was available to help Britain in its bid for Davis Cup success, with the next tie against Israel in March .

"Although I won't be playing, I would still like to make myself available to both Jeremy and the LTA in the future so that I can draw upon my experience in the hope of trying to help the British players develop their full potential," he added.

"I've really enjoyed playing in front of the thousands of British fans both home and abroad and would like to thank every one of them for their unwavering support over the years."

Henman leaves Davis Cup tennis with an impressive record, having won 36 of his 50 matches.

Great Britain captain Jeremy Bates paid tribute to Henman's efforts over the years.







Jeremy Bates

Tim's magnificent record speaks for itself


Bates on Henman "Tim has quite simply had a phenomenal Davis Cup career and it has been an absolute privilege to have captained the team with him in it," said Bates.

"Tim's magnificent record speaks for itself. While it's a great loss I completely understand and respect his decision to retire from Davis Cup and focus on the Grand Slams and Tour. "

"Looking to the future this decision obviously marks a watershed in British Davis Cup tennis but it is also a huge opportunity for the next generation to make their mark.

"We have a host of talented players coming through and despite losing someone of Tim's calibre, I remain very optimistic about the future."

Henman made his Davis Cup debut in 1994 against Romania in Manchester.

He and partner Bates won their doubles rubber on the middle Saturday of the tie. Britain eventually lost the contest 3-2.

Henman and Britain had little luck in Davis Cup matches until 1999 when they qualified for the World Group.

Britain drew the USA and lost the tie when Greg Rusedski fell to Jim Courier in the deciding rubber.

They made the final stages again, in 2002, but this time lost out to the might of Sweden.


Source : BBC



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This will give those of us here in the UK a preview of how the ATP tour will be once Henman gives up altogether!

I don't blame him actually, it'd take us a couple of years before getting a chance to be back in the World Group. He may as well concentrate on winning a slam.

COME ON HENNERS!



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Rusedski may quit too...


D'oh!


Rusedski may quit Davis Cup duty

Greg Rusedski could be set to follow Tim Henman into Davis Cup retirement.




Rusedski is refusing to commit to the team for the Euro-Africa Zone tie against Israel in March and says he won't be rushed into making a decision.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "I don't know at the moment, with Tim out of the team it makes it a lot more difficult for us to do well at Davis Cup."

"I haven't made a decision," said the British No 2. "I'll sit down and think more after the Australian Open."

Henman announced his retirement from the Davis Cup on Friday and called Rusedski to tell him the news before it was made public.

"It came as a little bit of a surprise to me," said Rusedski. "It's an interesting time for him to be making the decision.

"I'd heard chat about him putting his rackets away from Davis Cup. That's his decision and his choice."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/4178625.stm



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RE: Henman decides to quit Davis Cup


Greg Rusedski has boosted Great Britain's Davis Cup chances by making himself available to face Israel.

Tim Henman's decision to quit playing Davis Cup tennis led to Rusedski considering his future.

But the British number two has now told the Lawn Tennis Association that he is available for the Euro-African Zone match in Tel Aviv on 4 March.

"Although everyone was taken aback by Tim's announcement it did not take me long to make my decision," he said.

"I love the Davis Cup. I just really wanted to focus on my Australian Open and as soon as I was out and I had a rational time to think about it, I knew I was going to play.

"I am looking forward to the responsibility of being the veteran of the team now. I still want to be a part of the team and I still think we have a chance to do well."




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