LTA chief executive Roger Draper says tennis fans should celebrate Tim Henman's career.
LTA boss hails Henman's 'outstanding' achievements
LTA chief executive Roger Draper says Tim Henman's decision to retire from tennis is a sad day for the sport.
However, he believes British tennis fans should celebrate the remarkable career of the former British number one, who won 11 ATP Tour titles.
"There are mixed emotions - on one hand it is a sad day for British tennis but on the other hand it gives us a chance to celebrate his outstanding tennis career," Draper told Sky Sports News.
"He's been in six grand slam semi-finals, been number four in the world and has performed in Britain's Davis Cup team - he's been an outstanding tennis player.
"Tim has been consistent all through his career but he's been unlucky.
"People in Britain will always judge whether we've got a Wimbledon champion but he's been to four semis in the era of Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer.
"He's right up there in terms of British sports people who have been at the top of their trade.
"He'll reflect on some matches and will be disappointed but overall in the 15-16 year period he's been the most consistent player on the tour and we've got to celebrate that success."
Henman will sign off after next month's Davis Cup tie against Croatia at Wimbledon and Draper is hopeful that he can end his career in style.
"Hopefully we'll be able to give him a really good send-off and that he will get us back in the World Group.
"Tennis is a brutal sport - to be on tour for more or less 52 weeks a year.
"But he's had a remarkable carer and can be very proud of what he's achieved, not just in British terms but world terms as well."
