Tim Henman has criticised Britain’s young players for lacking desire.

On the eve of Wimbledon, Andy Murray is ranked eleventh in the world but the next-highest British man, Jamie Baker, is 260th. Anne Keothavong is the best-placed woman in 93rd.

“The void between Murray at the top and the next group is bigger than it’s ever been. There really isn’t an excuse for that,” Henman, the former British No 1, said.

“We’ve got the money to invest and we’ve got great facilities and better coaching now. My issue is not with the Lawn Tennis Association, it’s with the players. A great example is the Serbs right now.

"You look at Ivanovic, Jankovic and Djokovic. They didn't have facilities, they were in a war-torn country when they were growing up and look what they’ve done. They have ability, but their motivation and dedication is fantastic and that’s it - there is no magic secret.”

Henman said that players are not making the most of world-class facilities such as the National Tennis Centre. “How lucky are they? But it’s almost like they still always want to blame the LTA. It’s sometimes the lack of responsibility from individuals that frustrates me,” the 33-year-old, who retired last year, said.

“There are good ones who are working as hard as they can but that’s not across the board. It has been too common a theme in the British game that the kids aren’t hungry enough. Why is that? No idea. I had unbelievable desire to make it happen. Too many of the kids that I’ve practised with and seen don’t have that.”

Henman, who will be at Wimbledon as a BBC commentator is prepared to help by becoming a coach, but not yet. “In a few years I’d like to get involved because I think I’ve got something to offer but it’s a bit too early at the moment,” he said.