Tennis: Coach backs Henman over Kafelnikov jibe

TIM HENMAN'S coach yesterday defended Britain's No 1 after criticism that he is not focused on climbing to the top of the world rankings.

David Felgate was responding to comments from Yevgeny Kafelnikov, who has urged Henman to cut down on his sponsorship commitments if he wants to becoming one of the game's great players.

Felgate said: "When Tim wins the press don't seem to have too many complaints. Then when he loses they are looking for a story or a reason why he played a bad match. Tim has some great sponsors whom he serves very well. They are fantastic with his time. I can't remember the last time he spent a day this year doing anything for them.

"It is beyond belief that any time he doesn't play so well there are questions asked. He is seventh in the world. There are six players better than him, and his aim is to get to No 1. He can't be doing too many things too badly."