Tim Henman has disclosed that he rejected the chance to coach both Roger Federer and Andy Murray during the earlier years of his retirement from professional tennis.
The former British No 1, who hung up his racket in 2007, turned down approaches from two of the sport's most decorated champions.
The 51-year-old made the revelation whilst speaking on the Off Court podcast with Greg Rusedski and the Tennis Mentor.
"A long time ago I had two coaching offers, Federer and Murray, and I said no to them both so I think I've set the bar pretty high," Henman said.
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The disclosure marks a fascinating insight into opportunities the four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist chose to pass up.
Henman explained that the demands of touring coaching simply do not fit with his preferred lifestyle balance.
"If you're going to coach on the tour, it's a big commitment," he stated.
Tim Henman has disclosed that he rejected the chance to coach both Roger Federer and Andy Murray during the earlier years of his retirement from professional tennis.
|PA
"I talk about my media work and I'm going to the slams and a few other events, I might be on the road 12 weeks, which again is a perfect balance."
The former world No 4 suggested that working with any professional player would require roughly twice that time away from home.
"I think, realistically, if you're going to work with any player - let alone a top player - I think you're going to double that. And I don't have the desire, first and foremost, to be back on tour in that capacity," he added.
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Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PAHenman emphasised that his refusals were not influenced by the stature of either player who approached him.
"It's just the coaching element of it. I didn't want that commitment, that structure of the practice away from tournaments and then the time at tournaments. So nothing personal, Roger or Andy," he explained.
Despite appearing content with his choices, the former British star has not completely closed the door on entering the coaching world at some point.
"It may change. I'd be very surprised if it does but I'll never say never because I love tennis," Henman remarked.
His passion for the sport means a future move into coaching remains a distant possibility, however unlikely he considers it to be.
Tim Henman could yet coach Emma Raducanu one day
| GETTYShould Henman ever reconsider his position on coaching, speculation might naturally turn to Britain's leading female player, Emma Raducanu.
The world No 24 currently finds herself without a permanent coach following her split from Francisco Roig.
Raducanu has teamed up informally with Mark Petchey ahead of Indian Wells but is not pursuing a long-term replacement.
"Right now I wouldn't say I'm actively looking for a coach," she told The Guardian. "I think I had a great experience with Francis in terms of how we got on so well the rapport was great. I think in the end, we just weren't aligning on certain key aspects. But we still maintain a really good relationship."