Why Tim was right

Tim Henman - much thinking to be done now

By BBC Tennis Correspondent Iain Carter

Tim Henman's decision to split with long time coach David Felgate was the hardest decision of his professional career, but it had to be made.

Such an opinion, from someone who has always advocated that they should stay together, may appear hypocritical.

But as soon as thoughts crept into Henman's mind that Felgate might not be the best man for the job, change had to be made.

A player needs a coach who the player believes will get the best out of him

  Iain Carter

The British number one's abject displays at the Masters Series events in Indian Wells and Miami were the deciding factor.

Henman's performances in those two big tournaments lacked tactical direction and suggested his game was dangerously in decline.

For two years player and coach had worked tirelessly to try to find the formula that would enable Henman to improve from two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist to Grand Slam champion.

It proved elusive and for the past year his game has been on a plateau - good enough to make the world's top ten but lacking the potency to challenge for the sport's biggest prizes.

Throughout this time Henman staunchly defended his coach. He honestly believed Felgate offered his best chance of finding success.

It's not easy to replace the mutual trust and friendship they shared and the coach had successfully overseen Henman's graduation from promising junior to the top of the game.

Once doubts crept in their relationship lost its essential and defining ingredient

  Iain Carter

Critics claimed that he needed someone who had succeeded at the highest level - utter rubbish.

A player needs a coach who the player believes will get the best out of him, someone he can trust and someone who can be a friend and confidante during their travels around the globe.

Felgate offered all of these attributes and his record in turning raw talent into a world force stands alone in British tennis over recent years.

Only last year Henman said his coach could have the job for as long as he wanted, but now those words have the echo of a football chairman's dreaded vote of confidence.

They hit the buffers. No stone was left unturned in their search to find the formula to take the next step up but it proved impossible.

Eventually the player doubted his coach or vice versa - it doesn't matter which way because once doubts crept in their relationship lost its essential and defining ingredient.

So a split was the only option and now Henman has to seek guidance from elsewhere.

Who he appoints will be the most important decision of his career. He's already made the hardest.