Tim Henman Wants More Focus On Grass Roots

Tim Henman believes that the Lawn Tennis Association needs to place more focus on grass roots tennis in a bid to get more kids into the sport.

British tennis has come under major fire in recent weeks after Great Britain's humiliating Davis Cup defeat to Lithuania.

Should they lose their play off tie against Turkey later this year then Great Britain will be relegated to the lowest tier of Davis Cup tennis.

However Henman now believes that the main focus should be on uncovering young and fresh talent.

Speaking to Sky Sport the former British number one said: "There has been a lot of focus on Davis Cup but, for me, that should be the icing on the cake.

"We need to look at the grass roots, the clubs, the tennis in schools. There is a massive amount of money put into those areas but we need to target them more strongly.

"I am sure the LTA will come back and say they are spending 50% of their money on the grass roots but for me they need to spend more.

"We have some fantastic facilities and some very good coaches but if we haven't got any players what can they do? We need to change the base of our pyramid to make that a lot better."

Tim Henman has also announced his return to tennis this week as he intends to play at the AEGON Masters Tennis event at the Royal Albert Hall in November.