Henman had been playing through the pain barrier in what turned out to be a futile bid to reach this season's Masters Cup in Shanghai.

The 28-year-old needed a decent run in the Paris Masters, but was beaten 6-4 6-2 in round three by local favourite Nicolas Escude.

And his only chance of a place at Shanghai was removed when Spaniard Carlos Moya, who beat Sebastian Grosjean.

But his injury may rule the British number one out of Shanghai anyway and also curtail the start of next season for him.

"I'd still like to play Shanghai, but once this season is out I'm going to make sure I get it right.

"If that means missing Australia I've just got to do it."

A disappointed Henman added: "I've been working the whole year to qualify for the event (Shanghai).

"If I was an alternate I probably wouldn't play, if I'm in it's a different story.

"Since Indianapolis it's been a struggle just trying to play continuously when you're not fit."