Tim Henman has expressed cautious optimism about Emma Raducanu's decision to rehire Andrew Richardson as her coach, calling the reunion a positive step for both. Henman, a former world No. 4, also detailed his role as vice-captain for Team Europe at the Laver Cup in London, while advocating for a streamlined tennis calendar to reduce player injuries.
Raducanu's Coaching Carousel
Henman, 51, shared a unique perspective on Raducanu's coaching situation, having known Richardson since childhood. "Andrew was best man at my wedding," Henman said. "I was surprised she chose not to work with him initially. She's worked with a lot of coaches since then and now I really hope that her decision to get back with Andrew works for both their sakes."
Raducanu fired Richardson two weeks after winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, citing a need for more experience. She has since worked with multiple coaches before rehiring Richardson this summer. Henman noted that Raducanu's unexpected Grand Slam victory created unique challenges. "It was so unexpected because no one had ever qualified and made the final of a slam, let alone qualified and won it. So she didn't really have a foundation to build from," he said. "All of a sudden she was playing top-level events and she wasn't ready, physically and mentally."
Henman's Own Career and Resilience
Henman, who reached six Grand Slam semi-finals and an Olympic silver medal, contrasted his own career path with Raducanu's. He had three coaches over 16 years, valuing consistency. "I looked for consistency, continuity and building the relationship," he said. Raducanu has had eight or nine coaches, which Henman acknowledged as her prerogative but suggested may hinder long-term development.
Laver Cup and Team Europe
Henman expressed enthusiasm for his role as vice-captain of Team Europe at the Laver Cup, set for 25-27 September at the O2 in London. "I absolutely love it," he said. "Until I first experienced the Laver Cup in person I'd thought it was an exhibition event. But when I was at the 2022 Laver Cup, when Roger Federer played his final match before retirement at the O2, I was blown away by the intensity and passion of both teams."
Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have committed to playing, and negotiations are underway to entice Jannik Sinner to debut. Henman noted that Team Europe has a WhatsApp group for dialogue. "We were bitterly disappointed when we lost last time but it was then that Alcaraz signed up. He said: 'I'm coming back,'" Henman said.
Injury Concerns and Scheduling
Henman criticized the tennis calendar, citing injuries to top players like Alcaraz and Sinner. "The schedule needs looking at because less is more and I would definitely streamline it," he said. "The Masters 1000 events should be eight or nine days and then you need some periods where there is no tennis at the very highest level."
He also addressed the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) lawsuit against seven tennis governing bodies, which accuses them of suppressing prize money and player opportunities. "We really need to communicate, and that has made it very difficult with the lawyers," Henman said.
Wimbledon Prize Money and Governance
Henman, a Wimbledon board member, highlighted recent progress in prize money negotiations. Wimbledon announced a 20% increase in prize money, which players accepted. "The communication needs to be better and conversations are not going to stop," he said. "It's a huge strength of our sport that we have combined events and look at how the grand slams have led the way in equal prize money and the opportunity that they've given to lower-ranked players."
Henman's Journey from B&Bs to Boardroom
Reflecting on his early career, Henman recalled living in cheap B&Bs in Earl's Court with other young players, including Richardson. "I somehow convinced my parents that I should leave school at 16 to play full-time tennis," he said. "I was still very small so my results weren't particularly good. We were based in a far corner at Queen's with the two indoor courts. It was such a basic facility, but it was brilliant."
Henman ended 1992 ranked 780th in the world with seven ranking points. "If you'd said to me then: 'Sign this document and you can be top 100 for the next 10 years, and play the grand slams,' I would have bitten both arms off," he said.
