Henman to play 'a few more years' - 美網 Tennis

Last Updated: Wednesday, 28 June 2006, 18:17 GMT 19:17 UK
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/5126884.stm

Henman to play 'a few more years'

By Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

Tim Henman insisted he will play on for the foreseeable future despite
suffering a heavy defeat against Roger Federer at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The Briton lost 6-4 6-0 6-2 in one hour 24 minutes as he made a
second-round exit for the second year in a row.

But Henman, 31, said: "I definitely see myself playing a few more years."

He added: "I love what I do and I still think there are plenty of
challenges for me, and I don't think it would be to my benefit to cut down
my schedule."


Highlights: Wimbledon day three

Interview: Tim Henman

Interview: Roger Federer


And Henman believes his injury problems last year have left him with
an opportunity to make up lost ranking points in the coming months.

"(My priority is) getting my ranking back up and having a full schedule for
the rest of the year," he said. "This time last year I really struggled.

I think he should stay in the game and I'd be very surprised if this was
his last Wimbledon

Roger Federer

"I played a few tournaments but I was in such poor shape physically with my
back, I want to take advantage and see how far that can take me between now
and the end of the year."

The four-time semi-finalist admitted that he felt sorry for the Centre
Court crowd.

"It's been such a good place for me and the fans have been so fantastic," he
said.

"There's disappointment for myself but also an element of disappointment for
them that I couldn't give them more to get involved in.

"Unfortunately, Roger had a lot to do with that because he was just too good
today, it's just as simple as that, but I definitely hope to be out there
again."

Federer was delighted with the win and believes he is playing better than
ever at such an early stage of the Championships.

And the Swiss star had encouraging words for Henman, a good friend.

"I think he should stay in the game and I'd be very surprised if this was his
last Wimbledon," said Federer.

"He's got family, he's married, he's had a great career - it's his choice you
know. In my opinion I think he can easily play another year.

"You can cut down a few tournaments and add a few more years to your career,
that's what I'd suggest, but it has nothing to do with me. It's his life."




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║カズミ サイトウ,トシヤ スギウチ,ナギサ アラカキ,ツヨシ ワダ ║
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