Since retiring from professional tennis, former British No. 1 Tim Henman has transitioned into a new chapter of life, balancing his public role as a commentator with a private family existence. He has become a staunch advocate for fellow British tennis star Emma Raducanu, offering guidance and support both on and off the court. Henman’s life is now a blend of commentary duties at major tournaments like Wimbledon, a tranquil family life in his stunning manor home, and a continued passion for promoting an active lifestyle.
A Guiding Hand for a Rising Star
Henman’s connection to Emma Raducanu dates back to her sensational 2021 US Open win. During that historic run, he acted as a behind-the-scenes mentor, providing valuable insights and encouragement. His admiration for her talent was palpable, and he openly praised her remarkable feat. “The way she was playing, the way she was behaving, the way she was performing, you were wondering, ‘is this destiny?'” he once remarked. Raducanu has since acknowledged his influence, crediting him with helping her adopt a “one point at a time” approach to her matches. Henman’s belief in her was unwavering, and he famously declared, “She won 10 matches without dropping a set. It’s an absolute joke… it’s unbelievable. She is going to win more of these, she is that good. This is not some flash-in-the-pan fairytale.”
A Rebuilding Process
The road since her Grand Slam victory has been challenging for Raducanu, marked by injuries and a search for consistent form. Despite this, Henman has remained a steadfast supporter, offering perspective and encouragement. Following a difficult first-round defeat at a recent US Open, he defended her, stating, “It’s certainly not the last we’ll see of Raducanu. Fingers-crossed she’s going to have many more opportunities here at the US Open in the future. It’s all a rebuilding process as she comes back from the surgeries1. When she has played, she has played very 2well.” He has also criticized the intense public scrutiny surrounding her coaching and schedule, saying, “There’s almost an obsession over her schedule or coach. She’s 21 and she’s got a lot of opportunities ahead of her. She just needs to focus on the process.”
Life Beyond the Court
Away from the professional tennis world, Henman’s life revolves around his family. He and his wife, Lucy Heald, have been married since 1999 and are proud parents to three daughters: Rose, Olivia, and Grace. The family has largely remained out of the public eye, a deliberate choice to ensure a peaceful existence. They reside in a magnificent manor home in a small village south of Oxford, a contrast to their former home in Barnes, London, which Henman still uses as a base during his Wimbledon duties. Their home life is filled with a love for animals. “We’ve got horses, dogs and cats, so you could call it a zoo,” Henman once joked, offering a glimpse into their pastoral lifestyle. He is a firm believer in the importance of an active life, and he has instilled this value in his daughters. “They’re all very active. They play a little bit of tennis but also lots of other sports – hockey, netball and gymnastics,” he has said, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to life
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