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Last Updated: Saturday, 15 January, 2005, 01:06 GMT
Henman backed over Cup decision
Tim Henman
Tim Henman's decision to quit Davis Cup tennis has been backed by two of Great Britain's former team members.

Chris Bailey told BBC Sport that it was "the right decision" for the British number one and world number seven.

Henman has one of the best records by a Team GB member in the history of the event - with 36 wins out of 50 ties.

And Barry Cowan, who made just one Cup appearance, told Radio Five Live: "He's been a great credit to himself and his country... but it's the right time."

Henman, 30, made his debut in the tournament in 1994 but opted to end his association with the team on Friday.

He said the reason for quitting was to enable him to focus on the ATP Tour and winning a Grand Slam.

Bailey said: "He's probably got two or three more years at the top of his game so he needs to focus on that and winning a Grand Slam.

"And he can still do it. Wimbledon is a very achievable goal."

Henman had been due to lead Britain against Israel from 4 to 6 March.

But Cowan said the rigours of two singles matches and a doubles rubber would have too much of an impact on his preparations for the Grand Slams later in the season.

"You only had to look at his body language in his last Davis Cup match against Austria," said Cowan. "I felt then that it looked ominous that he might retire.

"He had to think realistically can we win the Davis Cup? I don't think we can. But can he win a Grand Slam? Of course.

"And, for the sake of prolonging his career, it's the right move."


WATCH AND LISTEN
Interview: LTA performance director David Felgate



SEE ALSO
Henman's Davis Cup career
14 Jan 05 |  Photo Galleries


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