Now, when Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski look back on their careers carrying the British flag with pride around the tennis world and leading the hopes of the Davis Cup team, they do so with a sense of pride in the story they wrote together.   

The similarities between the duo are stark, as they reached a career-high No.4 in the ATP Rankings, they share a September 6th birthday and both married British women named Lucy.  

At the peak of their powers, there was also an intense rivalry that added spice to this story and when the duo appeared on the Off Court with Greg Rusedski podcast, they offered up a wonderful trip down memory lane that was a delight for British tennis fans.  

Looking back on their Davis Cup adventures and their battle for the British No.1 ranking, Henman admitted he did not initially view Canadian-born Rusedski as a direct rival when he declared his intentions to represent Great Britain in 1995.  

“When Greg arrived, I didn’t really see him as a competitor. He wasn’t really on my radar,” reflected Henman. “My ranking was a lot lower at the time and I had a lot to do to get into the conversation, but then things began to change.  

“Once I get to around 50 in the rankings and Greg is around there or maybe a bit higher, then things start to change, but I always felt that I had a perspective of where I wanted to be.  

“Yes, of course I want to be British No.1, but you’d much rather be British No.2 and number 10 in the world than British No.1 and No.95 in the world.  

“I think that’s where Greg and I changed the landscape. All of a sudden, there was a belief that British players could compete for big titles.”  

The rivalry between Rusedski and Henman moved through the gears in 1997, as the duo were on course to meet in a Wimbledon semi-final after both made it through to the last eight at the All England Club.   

That clash never materialised as Henman was beaten by Germany’s Michael Stich and Rusedski came up short in four sets against Frenchman Cedric Pioline, who would go on to lose against Pete Sampras in the final.  

“It would have been a semi-final and a chance to play each other at Wimbledon, which we never managed to do,” pondered Rusedski. “I wish we could have had that match-up and that year of 1997 is where the Rusedski vs Henman rivalry really took off.  

“I got to the US Open final later that year and when I look back at the media attention we got from that point forward, it became really big.  

“I would never read the press, but I'd have family members who would tell me what's in the press and I didn’t want to know. It’s hard enough trying to win tennis matches and then dealing with the press and our rivalry was a big deal.”  

Greg and Tim failed to win the Grand Slam title that could have added gloss to their impressive careers, but Henman insisted titles are not the only barometer for success.   

“The conversation around success is not just about winning and losing titles,” he stated. “It’s about maximising your potential and for Greg and I to reach No.4 in the world was as good as we're meant to be.  

“The trouble is, when you come from a Grand Slam country and you are deep in the second week at Wimbledon, it comes down to whether you win it or lose... and Greg, I didn’t win it. Despite that, when I look back at my career, I’m thrilled with what I was able to achieve.”  

Rusedski expressed his regret over the duo’s failure to make progress in the Davis Cup, but he suggested his former rival and friend should look back on his career with pride.   

“I feel like Tim maximised everything he had,” he said. “If you get to No.4 in the world, you have had an amazing career.  

“For me, my one big regret is the US Open final against Pat Rafter in 1997 because I was sick going into that match and you always wonder what might have been.”  

Rusedski and Henman put British tennis back on the map and those who followed in the footprints they created will always be grateful for the inspiration they provided.