2003 February 16 - Henman to return in ATP Tournament

Tim Henman will return to competitive tennis next week in the ATP World Indoor Tournament in Rotterdam, having been out of action for 3 months following shoulder surgery. Of the forthcoming tournament Tim said:

"I'm really looking forward to it now.

My shoulder has progressed really well with all the rehabilitation and I'm now ready for the next level which is tournament play.

"I've played for longer in practice than a three-set match but I would be lying if I said there wasn't a little bit of apprehension.

"I've had long spells out before when I broke my lower leg in '93 and my elbow in '97 but this is slightly different because they were breakages and I just had to wait for them to mend.

"Mentally, because I've not played a competitive match in so long, there's a bit of uncertainty but I'm quietly confident I can continue my good record in Rotterdam.

"I'm looking at this layoff as the start of a new chapter in my career to a certain extent.

"It obviously coincided with me becoming a dad and I absolutely loved that but, watching the Australian Open and the Davis Cup, the frustration has started to come. It's emphasised to me just how much I enjoy being on the court and competing."