Tim Henman on redefining success, paving the way for Andy Murray, and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s impact

Some might see his lack of Wimbledon or Grand Slam titles as a failure, but Tim Henman certainly had a successful career while he also raised the bar for British tennis players, including Andy Murray.
Henman won 11 ATP Tour singles titles, played in six Grand Slam semi-finals – including four last-four appearances at SW19 – reached a career-high No 4 in the rankings and was the British No 1 from the late 90s until 2005.
In an interview with Don’t Tell Me The Score podcast, the 46-year-old says success should not always be defined by winning and losing, especially not through big tournaments and events.
“It’s very easy in sport to sort of quantify success by winning and losing,” Henman said. “And tennis is an interesting sport, because – irrespective of how good you are, even if you’re number one in the world – you still lose a lot.
“In the Grand Slams, the men’s and women’s, there are 254 losers, there’s only two winners. And, so when you then take that question to another sport, how do you quantify success in football? Is it representing your country? Or is it winning the World Cup?
“And likewise, if you go into other professions. If you were the fourth best lawyer in the world, or you were the fourth best banker in the world, you’d be doing alright. But in sports, it’s way too easy just to look at it as defined by winning and losing… Having been in the semis four times people sometimes would say: ‘Well, he didn’t win Wimbledon. So he wasn’t a success’. But I’m not sure I’d agree with that.”
When Henman reached the Wimbledon semi-final in 1998, he ended a long drought for British tennis as he was the first British men’s player to make it to the last four at the tournament in nearly 30 years.
And while he didn’t claim the ultimate glory, he certainly helped the next generation, including Murray who went on to win Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 and also reached No 1 in the world.
“Me having been in the top five in the world and done X, Y and Z, that is no doubt going to be within his [Andy Murray’s] psyche,” Henman said.
He added: “I’ve always been a massive supporter of Andy, and what he’s gone on to achieve has been incredible to watch.”
The names Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have dominated tennis the past two decades and they, along with Novak Djokovic, are considered the greatest of all time.
“When you look at Federer and Nadal, I would say they are the two best ambassadors in all of sport, and you won’t meet two more humble, grounded, decent human beings,” Henman said of the duo.
“They can teach a lot of people a lot of different things around values.”
*Listen to the Tim Henman conversation, and other episodes of Don’t Tell Me the Score, here. To find out more about host Simon Mundie, visit his website.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic on course to break Steffi Graf’s record as he makes biggest-ever jump to No 1
Novak Djokovic back at No 1.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas sings different tune after Novak Djokovic GOAT remark – ‘I don’t want to give the whole title to him’
Stefanos Tsitsipas has a different take on GOAT debate.
-
Australian Open
How difficult is ‘crazy’ Novak Djokovic to deal with? His coach Goran Ivanisevic shares his thoughts
“I understand how he feels. I understand the emotions,” says Goran Ivanisevic about Novak Djokovic’s outbursts.
-
Australian Open
How Novak Djokovic will end the GOAT debate once and for all
With Djokovic now level with Nadal in 22 major wins, tennis legend John McEnroe has predicted how many more he will win.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic proud of ‘special journey’ to 22nd Grand Slam title
Novak Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas gave him his 10th title in Melbourne, a year after being deported.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina hits back over ‘fake news’ about her ‘passionate coach’ Stefano Vukov
“I want to clarify any misinterpretations,” says Elena Rybakina.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has ‘at least three more Grand Slams’ in him – John McEnroe
How many more Grand Slam titles can Novak Djokovic win? John McEnroe expects plenty more from world No 1.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic breaks down after ‘biggest victory of his life’ at Australian Open
Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal at the top of the men’s list for most Grand Slams.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Novak Djokovic as the ‘greatest that has ever held a tennis racket’
Stefanos Tsitsipas hailed Novak Djokovic as the greatest ever following Australian Open final.
-
Australian Open
WATCH: Raw emotion from ‘superhuman’ Novak Djokovic after he returns to his perch in Australia
Novak Djokovic let it all out after winning the 2023 Australian Open.