Tim Henman has defended the Lawn Tennis Association after British Davis Cup captain David Lloyd blamed the organisation for "unfit" players.

But Henman backed his captain's plan to develop the next generation of homegrown tennis stars in specially-created academies.

The British team's 4-1 defeat to the Czech Republic last weekend prompted Lloyd to blame the LTA for failing to produce players fit enough to compete at the highest level.

His side now faces a play-off to avoid relegation from the world group of the competition.

"Fitness is very important and in any professional sport if you're not 100% fit you're either not going to be fulfilling your potential or you're going to be found out," said Henman.

"I don't think you can put all British players in one basket and say we're not fit enough, but definitely there are players that can become fitter and stronger and for sure it would help their games.

"I don't think it's the LTA's responsibility in essence. I think it's the players themselves, in an individual sport if you're not fit you're not letting the LTA down, you're letting yourself down. "

Henman won the only match of the tie, but with British number two Greg Rusedski out injured his team-mates were drawn from lower echelons of the domestic game.

The gulf in standard between the Czech team and Jamie Delgado and Neil Broad, who made up the rest of the British team, was all too apparent.

Lloyd wants to develop young domestic talent based on the practices in his own Next Generation tennis schools in Scotland.

"It was news to me but I think it would be a great idea and I'm sure the LTA would be delighted if David wanted to do that," said Henman.

"The more people investing in tennis the better and I'm sure the LTA don't mind where the next world class player comes from.

"If it comes through the LTA that's great, if it comes through David Lloyd or a private venture they'll be equally happy.