For nearly a decade Tim held a whole nation’s hopes on his shoulders, and he carried them well, becoming Great Britain’s most successful tennis player since Roger Taylor in the 1970s.

Not only did Henman attain a career-high of Number Four in the world and reach an incredible six Grand Slam semi finals, but he was also a faithful servant to the British Davis Cup team, more than once winning decisive fifth rubbers to keep his country’s hopes alive in the competition.

Known as ‘Tiger Tim’ in the British press, Henman was famed for his elegant serve-and-volley game, a style that made him popular with tennis fans the world over.

Perhaps the Briton’s greatest chance of winning a Grand Slam title came at Wimbledon in 2001, when he was beaten in five sets by wildcard Goran Ivanisevic in the semi finals. Henman at one point lead by two sets to one in a match that spanned three days due to repeated rain delays. Speaking of that match, Ivanisevic now says that ‘the rain saved his life’ sine the Croat went on to defeat Pat Rafter in the final to lift the Wimbledon crown.

Since retiring in 2007, Henman has enjoyed the quiet life at home in London with his wife Lucy and his three daughters, Rose, Olivia and Grace. He has spent a lot of time on the golf course, whittling his handicap down from three to scratch, and also working as a commentator for the BBC during Wimbledon. He was awarded an OBE in 2003 for services to sport.