Briton Henman to retire after Davis Cup playoff

NEW YORK, Aug 23 (Reuters) Briton Tim Henman announced today that he intends to retire from the sport after the Davis Cup world group playoff against Croatia next month.

In a press conference at Flushing Meadows, where he will play in the US Open next week, Englishman Henman said persistent back problems had convinced him it was the right time to quit.

''I'd officially like to say that I am going to be retiring after the Davis Cup against Croatia at Wimbledon,'' Henman said.

Henman has won 11 career singles titles, including one Masters Series crown in Paris in 2003 and won a silver medal in the men's doubles at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.

REUTERS DKS RK2133