Waiting game for Henman

Tim Henman anticipates he will need several weeks of rehabilitation following his shoulder surgery before he can lift a tennis racket again.

The British number one, who confirmed today he will miss next week’s Honda Challenge in London, is nonetheless confident of returning in time for the Australian Open in January.

Henman, orginally scheduled to take on former Wimbledon champion Stefan Edberg in next Thurdsay night’s charity exhibition match, said: “It’s really frustrating because it’s great fun playing in the Honda Challenge at the Royal Albert Hall.

“But with all the rehab I’m doing I’m sure I will be able to get back on court pretty soon and get my preparation for Australia .

“That gives my shoulder the chance to do all the strength work and gives me a chance to recharge my batteries mentally.”

Henman’s preparations will not include defending the warm-up title he won in Adelaide last January.

“That was never going to be a part of my schedule because it starts on the 30th, and I’d made the decision 12 months ago that I wanted to have a Christmas at home,” he said.