Wimbledon legend Tim Henman has the last laugh after copyrighting famous phrase

CRIES of “Come on, Tim!” still follow ex-tennis ace Henman every day — so he says he has taken ownership of the phrase.

Fans loved rallying him as he reached four Wimbledon semis in five years during the 1990s and Noughties but never got to the final.

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Now 48 and long retired, Henman still gets people roaring encouragement at him.

Asked when someone last shouted “Come on, Tim!”, the BBC pundit replied: “This morning, just as I was arriving and walking in from my parked car.

“It’s a daily occurrence but it’s OK. I’ve copyrighted the phrase! So, it’s all good.”

The BBC’s Wimbledon contract expires in 2027 and Tim hinted in Radio Times a streaming channel could take over.

He said: “It’s incredible what the BBC delivers but I am also on the board here and, when you look at the investment that’s needed and the expansion that’s required, someone’s got to pay for that.”

Tim made his debut at Wimbledon in 1994 and appeared for the last time in 2007 – but never managed to reach the final.

But he was the first British man to reach the singles semis at Wimbledon since Roger Taylor in the 1970s.

Tim is back this year to commentate on the tournament as Sue Barker steps down.