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NEW YORK - Briton Tim Henman said on Friday (NZ time) he will retire from the sport after the Davis Cup world group playoff against Croatia next month.
In a press conference at Flushing Meadows, where he will play in the US Open next week, the Englishman said persistent back problems had convinced him it was the right time to quit.
"I'd officially like to say that I am going to be retiring after the Davis Cup against Croatia at Wimbledon," said Henman, who reached a world ranking high of four in 2002.
"From a professional point of view it's something I've been thinking about for some time. I think the issues that I've had with my back and the knock-on effect that's had has made my life a little harder and a little less enjoyable.
"From a personal point of view with our third child on the way, there's obviously an even bigger incentive to be at home."
Henman, who will turn 33 on September 6, was forced to pull out of this week's ATP event in New Haven. He has won just three ATP Tour matches this year and his world ranking has fallen to 92.
Henman has won 11 career singles titles, including one Masters Series crown in Paris in 2003 and won a silver medal in the men's doubles at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.
He reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon four times, made the last four at both the French Open and US Open in 2004, and has won 38 of his 52 singles matches in Davis Cup.
Henman said he expected to retain a close connection with the sport.
"I feel it's not necessarily the end of things for me, it's a new beginning. I'm looking forward to stepping away from things and spending time at home but I'm sure whether it's next year or the year after I'll look at what's out there and I'm sure that will involve tennis."
Henman will play Russian Dmitry Tursunov in the first round at the US Open.
- REUTERS
