Henman lost to Tomas Zib in Dubai

"Perhaps it would have felt a bit sweeter if I'd had a successful week but the rankings don't lie," Henman told his personal website.

"I feel I deserve to be inside the top 10 as a reward for all the hard work I've put in since first injuring my shoulder about 18 months ago."

Henman, ranked 10th on the ATP entry list, plays at Indian Wells this week.

"I have some pleasant memories of getting to the final a couple of years ago, so I know the conditions here suit my game," he said.