Felgate back's Henman's Grand Slam dream

Tim Henman’s former coach David Felgate has backed him to end his Grand Slam semi-final jinx.

Henman failed in the final four for the sixth time when he lost to Roger Federer in the US Open last night.

But Felgate believes the British number one is in the form of his life and can claim that elusive crown next year.

Felgate – now performance director at the Lawn Tennis Association – told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek: “Tim is now one of the top five players in the world and he has had a great year.

“There is no reason why if he stays healthy he can’t go on to win one.

“He came second because Federer is pure class, a player who is possibly going to go on to become one of the greatest players ever.”

Felgate insisted the criticism Henman would receive for missing out again was unjust.

Felgate added: “I’d like to see some perspective put on it sometimes.

“Tim is not a failure. He has been in the top 10 for five or six years and I think he takes an awfully hard time.

“People say he’s a failure and he hasn’t achieved this or that but I think he has achieved great things in his sport and in his career.”