Injured Henman suffers early exit Gamewatch: Henman v Verdasco

Briton Henman, 30, slumped out of the US Open in the first round on Tuesday.

"I can't see Tim Henman as the sort of player who hangs around the tennis circuit ranked 30 or 40 in the world," Lloyd told BBC Radio Five Live.

"If by this time next year he's still hovering around that area and hasn't been a threat, then I have a feeling next year will be his last."

Henman was seeded 12th at Flushing Meadows this year but his appearance was short-lived as he was easily overcome by unseeded Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in straight sets.

I want to finish strongly so that I can go into the off-season, work hard and start afresh in 2006 Tim Henman

"I think he's almost looking forward to the end of the year because he's had a pretty awful year but a lot of it's been due to injuries - I don't think he's ever felt he's had a full chance this year," added Lloyd.

"I think he's going to go back this year, have a couple of months in November and December - hopefully where he'll train to the peak that he needs to be - and have a go next year.

Tuesday's defeat was the latest in a series of disappointing performances for Henman, who has seen his progress this year hindered by a persistent back problem.

He has failed to make it past the third round in any of this year's Grand Slam events and crashed out in the second round at Wimbledon before taking more than a month off to rest and get mentally refreshed.

But Henman remains confident he can end the season on a high note.

"I'll rest and make sure I get it right," said the current British number one. "This has been a difficult year but I've got five events between now and the end of the year.

If the injury is going to reduce his play to what we have seen recently, then I can't see Henman playing on beyond 2006 From P Have your say on Tennis

"I want to finish strongly so that I can go into the off-season, work hard and start afresh in 2006.

"I'll definitely rest now because that's what it needs because of the (back) inflammation, but I've got some time.

"I'll get it right because there's been a long period of time I haven't played my best tennis, but it hasn't been an issue.

"It is frustrating that it's been an issue for this event but I'll go back and get it under control and then I'll be able to concentrate on improving my game."