Henman splits with coach

Felgate watches Henman at last year's Australian Open

Tim Henman has parted company with long-time coach David Felgate, the players's management company confirmed on Monday.

Henman, second seed at this week's £528,000 Estoril Open, will still be managed by Felgate's wife Jan, the statement from IMG said.

During his partnership with David Felgate, Henman won seven ATP titles, twice reached Wimbledon semi-finals and achieved a career-high ranking of fifth.

"After serious consideration, David and I have made this decision," said Henman.

Felgate's wife Jan will still manage Henman

"He has been instrumental in helping me to find success as a player.

"Naturally, this has been very difficult for both of us.

"But in analysing my situation, we came to a mutual conclusion that for me to make the next step, sometimes change is necessary."

Henman will work without a coach for the immediate future as he begins his spring clay-court season in Portugal.

Henman and Felgate have been working together since the player was a teenager.

Under Felgate's tutelage, Henman won seven ATP titles, most recently in Copenhagen in February, and reached consecutive Wimbledon semifinals in 1998 and 1999.

In recent years, though, Felgate has faced media criticism pointing to his lack of top level coaching experience and his close friendship with Henman.

Many critics felt this had held the player back.

Felgate is, according to the statement, "pursuing other options".