Tim Henman, now Laver Cup vice-captain, rules out coaching full-time but reflects on Murray’s swift move into Djokovic’s team
Tim Henman has no plans to follow Andy Murray into full-time coaching, despite stepping into a key mentorship role as vice-captain of Team Europe at the Laver Cup. The former British No.1 will support captain Yannick Noah in guiding top players at the tournament in San Francisco this September.
Henman, who has been involved in the ATP Cup and works as a broadcaster for Sky Sports, enjoys his structured tennis commitments but isn’t looking for a full-time coaching role.
“I think coaching is a far bigger commitment in terms of time and travel,” Henman explained. “I’ve had offers, but it just doesn’t appeal to me. That may change, but for now, I’m happy with my balance.”
The 50-year-old couldn’t resist a dig at his former teammate Andy Murray, who recently took on a coaching role with Novak Djokovic.
“I told Andy to take his time… and the next week, he took a job with Djokovic! I’ll say no more,” Henman joked.
Return to Tennis and Laver Cup Excitement
Henman, who largely stepped away from the professional circuit after retiring in 2007, has been making a gradual return to the sport. As his children have grown older, he has found more time to get involved in tennis media and events like the Laver Cup.
Embed from Getty Images“I always loved tennis, but I needed that break to be with my family. Now, with my kids older, I can enjoy being more involved again,” he said.
The Laver Cup, scheduled for 19-21 September in San Francisco, will feature top talents like Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Taylor Fritz. Henman believes his role will allow him to contribute without the overwhelming demands of coaching an individual player full-time.
Keeping an Eye on Jack Draper
While Henman is not considering full-time coaching, one player has certainly caught his eye—Jack Draper. The 23-year-old Brit recently made history by winning his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, rocketing up the world rankings.
Henman is eager to see Draper make his Laver Cup debut and has already spoken with Draper’s agent, his brother Ben, about including him in the team.
“I’m not surprised by his success. The pieces have always been there, but injuries have interrupted his progress. Now, with fewer points to defend until Stuttgart, the future looks exciting for him,” Henman said.
Emma Raducanu’s Resurgence
Henman also weighed in on Emma Raducanu’s recent resurgence at the Miami Open, where she has reached the quarter-finals for the first time since her 2021 US Open victory.
“The most important thing is that she’s competing regularly,” he said. “Even though she struggled last month, she stuck with it. Now, in Miami, the hard work is paying off, and she’s playing very well.”
As Henman embraces his new role at the Laver Cup, he remains a key figure in British tennis, providing insight and guidance without the all-consuming demands of full-time coaching.
