Tim Henman has been named as Great Britain’s captain for the inaugural ATP Cup in January and he’s joked that may have prompted Roger Federer to pull out.
The former world No 4 will lead his nation into the newly-formed 24-team tournament in Australia.
Britain were due to play Switzerland first up but Federer withdrew from the tournament due to his other commitments so his country did not qualify based on their next best available player.
But Henman joked the real reason for Federer’s withdrawal was because of his new gig.
“I am looking forward to it,” Henman said on Amazon Prime.
“It was going to be Switzerland until Roger Federer pulled out.
“I heard that once he heard I was captain he was intimidated so I think we’re playing Bulgaria now.”
Earlier in the day Henman attended a press conference at the ATP Finals where he explained how Andy Murray was influential in him getting the new role over Greg Rusedski.
“I have known Andy a lot longer, and, yeah, probably have a better relationship with him,” Henman said.
“You know, it wasn’t something I was necessarily expecting. But once, you know, Andy sent me a message and said, How about it, I definitely gave it some serious thought.
“I think he’s a significant reason why I accepted, because he’s someone that I have had a great relationship for a long time.
“The impact that he’s had on, you know, British tennis as well as world tennis has been enormous.
“Having seen what he’s gone through with the hip surgery and how well he’s come back.
“I think how he’s taken so many people by surprise and I think how much more he’s still got to improve, I think that’s what’s exciting and was, as I said, a big part of why I accepted the captaincy.”
Britain have been placed in group C alongside Bulgaria, Belgium and Moldova.