Tim Henman Provides Input on ATP Schedule

Written by: Staff on 4th December 2011

Tim Henman Provides Input on ATP Schedule

Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts after winning the ATP World Tour tennis singles final match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in London, Britain, 27 November 2011. Federer won the 100th final in his career. EPA/KERIM OKTEN |

Tim Henman regained the confidence to criticize as he spent a week broadcasting for the BBC at the London World Tour Finals. Now the former player is back to giving advice to the ATP world that he quit nearly half a decade ago.

“Gentleman Tim,” whose fourth ranking was the best-ever for a Brit until Andy Murray briefly touched second, has chimed in on the effects of what he believes is a too-long competitive season.

Henman saw first-hand the fatigue written on the faces of Spaniards Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer, but may have overlooked the fact that London title-winner Roger Federer emerged fighting fit and fresh, almost ready for the 2012 season to begin.

“I was reflecting on just how amazing the game is at the moment and how physically demanding it is,” said Henman, playing in this week’s senior event at the Royal Albert Hall, “If they can have a little bit more of an off-season, maybe extend it, then it would benefit the players no doubt.

“It’s so demanding and not only would that give the players a chance to rest their bodies but it would also give them a chance to improve and work at other things.”

The six-time major semi-finalist has stayed well away from tennis since retiring in 2007, preferring to work hard on a golf game which is close to scratch.

Nadal and other major players including Novak Djokovic Andy Murray complained about the 1-month length of the season while Federer believes that the 2012 shortening set to take effect will be e sufficient.

Topics: David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Tim Henman