So long Shropshire?

Henman now prefers to ply his trade on bigger stages

By the BBC's Iain Carter at Telford

"So where are you going next week?" they ask.

"Telford," I reply.

"Oh, is it that time of year again?"

No need to say what I'll be doing there. Say Telford and everyone knows it can only be the National Tennis Championships. But for how much longer?

Not much if my sources are to be believed. Indeed, I would be very surprised if I have to make the autumn journey up the M54 to Shropshire for the purpose of watching tennis again.

Only once since the inception of the National Championships in 1983 have they not been played in Telford.

But next week the Lawn Tennis Association will meet to discuss the future of the event and its venue. They will conclude that it's time for change on both fronts.

Glory days

The glory days when Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski deemed the tournament worthy of their schedules are long gone.

Rusedski hams it up at the 1996 Nationals

Encouragingly, this week there have been a number of good performances from the younger brigade. But the fact remains the Nationals have now become a platform for the best of the rest.

Unfortunately this includes players desperate for ranking points to enable them to start to climb the world ladder.

As a domestic event the Nationals are in no position to offer points, so players are likely to feel they could spend their time more productively elsewhere.

On the other hand they relish the chance of gathering together - the Telford players' party has a legendary reputation - and the prize money on offer is also attractive.

Benefits

Now the LTA are trying to plot a course for the future that includes the benefits of the Nationals but takes account of the need for their players to accrue ranking points.

Don't be surprised if this means more British tournaments at the Challenger level, as is the case in Spain and France, which will be open to all nationalities and where success would be reflected in the rankings.

The Bolton Arena, which is currently under construction, is a new venue which is sure to come under consideration, not just for any new tournaments but potentially for future home Davis Cup ties.

It's either progress or just the need for progress, but either way it spells the end for the Nationals and their long-time home.