New GB coach wants Henman back
The veteran has been in good form recently
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Monday, 23, Oct 2006 09:57
New Great Britain coach Peter Lundgren has revealed his first task is to persuade Tim Henman to return to Davis Cup action.
The former mentor of Roger Federer was confirmed as new GB coach on Sunday in a partnership with captain John Lloyd.
Lundgren and Lloyd are travelling to Switzerland where Henman will compete in the indoor event in Basel tomorrow.
The Swede said he was keen to use Henman's experience ahead of April's tie with the Netherlands.
"I want Great Britain to get back in the world group and if Tim is back, the chances are higher," he said.
"Tim has never said never so there is obviously a chance and that is why we have come here to speak to him.
"If he says yes it would be great, and if he says no at least we have tried."
Henman snubbed a return to international tennis for last month's tie with Ukraine having announced his retirement in January 2005.
Lundgren added he was looking forward to working with teenage prodigy Andy Murray.
"Andy is an unbelievable player who is only 19 and coped in the Ukraine with some great pressure. He has incredible potential and has a good chance to get in the top ten next year," he said.
"My job will also be to look at the younger guys and the coaches and ultimately the hope is that we will come up with another Andy Murray soon to help us in Davis Cup."
Henman will face Belgium's Christophe Rochus in the first round in Basel while Murray takes on Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro.