World ranked no #4, 4 Wimbledon Semis, very nearly made that final despite the negative carping of the media, which paradoxically also willed him on. Henman had no big serve, no great return, no explosive forehand, yet he rode high at Wimbledon...he basically tried his heart out...presonally i think he just lacked that killer instinct...he never could seem to close out on the big points, in the big matches. But he was a terrific serve-volleyer, that's what he will be remembered for...and for carrying a doubting nation's hopes on his shoulders every year, nearly fulfilling them, and then stoically facing down all the people crying 'told you so', even though they wanted him to win. In a highly psychological sport, he just didn't quite have the toughness to be a true champion, but he was a very fine player.

alex, Leeds,

Tim Henman has been one of the most 'professional' of professional sportspeople this country has ever produced.

There are thousands of people out there playing tennis because of him!

Sarah, Cambridge,

He always had an easy time at Wimbledon with generous and patriotic line calls,special treatment with centre court slots-even this year when he and his opponant Moya were in the latter half of the top hundred rankings were put on centre court for both his matches when players ranked in the top 5 were put on court number one. or lower.
The misnomer Gentleman Tim was laughable as when the chips were down he would behave very badly on court and even hit a ball at a ball girl- for once one of his more accurate shots!11 titles in a career isn't exactly amazing and Greg Rusedki had more incidently. I never warmed to him and felt that both mentally and energetically he was never really on top of things.His high ranking came from tactically playing masses of 2nd rung tournies-only one of is titles was really good(Paris masters series-not French Open btw).If Andy Murray can sort his fitnes/injuries out he has more of the equipment to really go out and win.Henman was a journey-man.

Helena, London,

It's official then – Tim's finally over the (Henman) hill.

Anthony Green, Leeds, United Kingdom

"distinction, steadfastness and brilliance"? I just choked on my cornflakes laughing!

Laurence, London,

great player, you would be lucky to find places he has won in the lonely planet guide!

keith lowry, bangor, uk

Congratulations to Tim Henman on all he has achieved - he has been a magnificent ambassador of the sport of tennis. I will miss watching him play - his graceful style of play was a pleasure to watch.

Jenny Rundle, Norwich,

Good luck to Tim Henman. I have been an avid fan over the years and will miss his flair and the roller coaster rides through his matches. He has been a great player and with a little more luck he may hav been a Wimbledon winner but it was not to be. Never the less he can look back and be proud of what he has acheived and yes there will not be a British dry eye at Wimbledon this September.

Margaret Thornton, Bradford, West Yorkshire

Nice to see the media giving him the positive send-off he deserves. The Britsh public asked too much of this player, who has been one of the most consistent players of the last decade.

Well done Tim - good luck in retirement.

Melvin Byres, Hong Kong,

Is Neil Harman jumping the gun here? Strange that Henman can't speak for himself. I hope the article in no way influences what Henman decides to do.

Chris, London,

I am very sorry to see Henman go. He has been a very good player and always behaved like a gentleman on the court (as did Pete Sampras, another whom Paul Annacone coached) and unlike some others of the eighties or so who shall remain nameless! I wish Tim all the very best and hope he soon recovers from the injuries he has sustained.

Peggy Podmore, Haliburton, Ontario, Canada (born and raised in England

I have never understood the negative attitude that some in the British press have taken toward Tim Henman (i.e. Sue Mott, et al). In my view he is a wonderful athlete and an extremely gifted tennis player. Since there is very little volleying left in the game, I will miss him terribly. He always gave his all when he played and that is what matters. Not everyone is a Sampras or a Federer. I hope that most of you are proud of him. He will always be one of my favorite players. Good luck, Tim!

Chris De Tone, Clearwater, Florida, USA

Tim has always been great tennis player and a good role model for younger players. The British press have more often than not always put him down and reported on his matches in a pessimistic way. He reached the semi's at Wimbledon 4 times and should have received many glowing reports but was subjected to doom and gloom every time by the British press. We need to boost up our sportsmen/women and stop knocking them down. Tim is the best tennis player this country has ever had and we should be proud of all his achievements.

Lucy Harman, Chicago, illinois

I think Tim still has a couple of years left to represent our country on the world tennis circuit, he's been the only one we've had and done us proud, tennis will be very dull without him, but i wish him well for the future and demand that he gets a knighthood very soon, which he richly deserves .

Jean Reid, Newcastle upon-Tyne, England

Never, ever won a Davis Cup match for Britain in the World Group.
At least John Lloyd and Gred Rusedski played in the Australian Open/Davis Cup final and US Open final respectively.
Judge a player not just on rankings and newspaper exposure. Judge them on bottle on the big points in the really big matches.
Compare, an athlete who consistently reached 100m or 1500m semi-finals or finals at the Olympics/World Championship but never contended for a medal would be judged a good athlete, but nothing special.
We hardly even remember our silver and bronze Olympic medallists in this country do we ?
What makes Tim Henman so fine ?

Adam, Eastcote, middx, uk

The critical comments, sarcasm, and cynicism expressed by Brits about Henman is not shared on this side of the pond, where we appreciate his character and "steadfastness."

Tim Henman is actually one of the great overachievers in modern tennis. Endowed by nature with no great tennis weapons, he tailored his serve and volley game to the grass of your national tournament, and managed to come close at Wimbledon for his countrymen several times. Sadly, some (who seem to predominate among your commenters) never appreciated that his innate talent should never have allowed him even that much succcess.

Well done, Tim. Tennis fans in the U.S. appreciate character and persistence even if others don't.

Larry Bonchek, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Henman was never any good, he never won! Why all this? People never liked him anyway, he allways let us down. Not a fine player by anyones standards.

Alex, London,

Sorry James - exactly what are you ranked number 4 at the world in?

Henman may have disappointed us by never quite taking a Grand Slam, but he also filled what would have been a ten year void with at least hope and I think there's a lot to be said for that.

Tim, Chicago, U.S.

Good luck Tim. I'm sure all your detractors have never been as highly placed in their chosen profession!!

Michael, Poole, Dorset,

"confirmation that he has decided to bring the curtain down on a period of distinction, steadfastness and brilliance, both for himself and his country."

Are you sure you have the right player, mate?

James Robertson, Leeds, UK

TIGER TIMMY !

ah well.... retiring at 33 ! ... he can always hang out down Henley and pass the time. Maybe play that other fast action sport called cricket.... how about taking up darts or snooker? seeing that your past it !. ... have a word ... grit your teeth and keep going ! ... its not like your a soldier serving in Iraq or afghanistan, is it? Missing your family ! .... give the nanny another bung and go win something !

lee harrison, leeds, uk

Good luck Tim, and thank you, for the wonder tennis matches, I have always enjoyed watching you play, don't listen to those who put you down, I think your achievements have been amazing!

Joanne, redruth, England

Tim was a top quality, world-class tennis player - the best the UK has produced. He would have won Wimbledon had it not been for Pete Sampras. It's a shame the ignorant sports pages only ever concentrated on that one event and not his 11 career titles and no.4 ranking. Farewell to a truly superb player.

Chris, Sunderland,

Tim Henman is a gentleman and a great tennis player. We will miss him.
Best wishes and thanks
Juan from Spain

Juan, Palma,

If Henman is" Britain’s finest male tennis player for seven decades" that doesn't say a lot for British tennis!

Fred James, Madrid, Spain

Bravo - the right decision, Tim. You don't need the money and your children's smiles are worth far more than any trophy, or cheque. All the best.

Dray, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Good luck Tim, you were always a gentleman both on and off the court win or loose and that is more than can be said for most.
Well done, thank you and good luck for Wimbledon.

Dinoz, Brisbane, Australia

are you sure?

Russ , London,

Best wishes to Tim, he served us well and continues to be a great ambassador for the game:-
Professional Singles Titles
2003: Paris Masters
2003: Washington ATP
2002: Adelaide ATP
2001: Basel ATP
2001: Copenhagen ATP
2000: Brighton ATP
2000: Vienna ATP
1998: Basel ATP
1998: Tashkent ATP
1997: Tashkent ATP
1997: Sydney ATP
1995: Reunion Island Challenger
1995: Seoul Challenger
1994: Bramhall Satellite
1994: Croydon Satellite
1994: India Satellite, week 1
1994: India Satellite, week 2
1994: India Satellite, week 3
Davis Cup Record
P: 52. W: 38. L: 14
Made debut in July 1994 versus Romania in Manchester.
Say no more - thanks Tim and good luck!

Ian Gibb, Ashtead, United Kingdom