Henman handed Nottingham wild card

Tim Henman has been handed a wild card into next week's Nottingham Open following his surprise early exit from the Artois Championships on Tuesday.

Henman crashed to a final set defeat to Croatian youngster Marin Cilic at Queen's and is desperate for more grass-court action ahead of his return to Wimbledon.

The 32-year-old, who has nosedived to 54 in the world rankings having failed to win a main tour match since February, last played in Nottingham in 2000 when he lost in the first round to Jonas Bjorkman.

Tournament director Patrick Hughesman said: "It is terrific news for the tournament that Tim will be returning to play in the Nottingham Open.

"As the holder of 11 ATP singles titles and as a four-time semi-finalist of The Championships, Wimbledon, Tim is a truly world-class player."