Tim Henman has firmly stated that Henman Hill at Wimbledon will keep its name, joking that he 'owns' the grassy bank and comparing it to the iconic Centre Court. The 51-year-old former British No.1, now a pundit and All England Club board member, made the comments during an appearance on Andy Roddick's Served Media podcast.
Henman, who reached four Wimbledon semi-finals between 1998 and 2002, became synonymous with the tournament as fans packed onto the hill next to Court No.1 to watch his matches on a big screen. The area informally became known as Henman Hill, and despite Andy Murray winning the title in 2013, the name has stuck.
Henman's Response to Renaming Questions
When Roddick asked if Henman calls it 'my hill' when on site, Henman quipped: “My hill. I mean, I own it, so why wouldn’t I?” Roddick then asked if he was surprised the hill wasn't renamed 'Mount Murray' after the two-time Wimbledon champion. Henman joked: “Never heard of him. I mean, you can’t change its name. Once something as important as that has a name. You’re not going to change the name of Centre Court, so why are you going to change the name of Henman Hill? I rest my case.”
Henman's Wimbledon Legacy and Coaching Offers
Henman came closest to the Wimbledon final in 2001, losing a five-set semi-final to eventual champion Goran Ivanisevic. He now works as a pundit and board member during the Championships. Despite receiving coaching offers from Roger Federer and Andy Murray, Henman declined both. He told Off Court with Greg Rusedski and the Tennis Mentor: “If you're going to coach on the tour, it's a big commitment... I might be on the road 12 weeks, which again is a perfect balance. I think, realistically, if you're going to work with any player - let alone a top player - I think you're going to double that. And I don't have the desire, first and foremost, to be back on tour in that capacity.” He added: “A long time ago I had two coaching offers, Federer and Murray, and I said no to them both so I think I've set the bar pretty high. It may change. I'd be very surprised if it does but I'll never say never because I love tennis.”
