Murray leads tributes to Henman

British number one Andy Murray has led the tributes after predecessor Tim Henman announced he will retire after next month's Davis Cup match.

"I don't think people fully realise what an amazing career Tim has had," Murray said on his website.

"If you make six Grand Slam semis, four of them at Wimbledon, and get to four in the world, you're pretty damn good.

"We've been really lucky to have him representing us, and I've been really lucky to have him as a team-mate."

British Davis Cup captain John Lloyd believes Henman has not got the credit he deserves for his career.

"In Britain, tennis viewers view things by Wimbledon alone but Tim has had a heck of a career," he told Radio 5live.

"It was a tough era with the likes of [Pete] Sampras around but Tim has been the best British player since Fred Perry."

And Lloyd believes Great Britain's match against Croatia on Wimbledon's Number One court will provide a fitting finale to Henman's career.

"The match will be a wonderful way to go out in a sold-out venue. I'm looking forward to it but it will be an emotional match," he said.

"I think in the future Tim will be a great ambassador for the game. He will be a great Davis Cup captain or a top-class coach.

"It also wouldn't surprise me if he played in some of the seniors events in a couple of years if his back holds up."

Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Roger Draper hopes Henman still has more to give the game.

"He's been an inspiration for thousands of kids and once he's put his feet up for a bit, hopefully we'll get him back involved in British tennis and working on the next generation," he told 5live.

"But he's got a bit of work to do before then because hopefully he can send us off into the World Group of the Davis Cup by beating Croatia."

"He's been a fantastic role model and we've been very lucky to have Tim and Greg [Rusedski] leading the way.

"The only downside is that their careers didn't cross with Andy Murray. Andy will be flying the flag until the next generation comes through."

Source: BBC Sport