Henman was given an emotional send-off by the New York crowd

The 32-year-old's last Grand Slam ended in a four-set defeat to Tsonga, 22.

"It's probably a reflection of why I'm retiring from the game," he said. "He's a classic modern player and it's become harder and harder for me to compete.

"The way he serves and his athleticism, it's phenomenal. There are lots of guys like that around. With my back issues and getting older, it gets harder."

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Henman, a former semi-finalist in New York, was given an emotional ovation by the capacity crowd in Louis Armstrong Stadium.

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"It was a fantastic atmosphere, under the lights on a big court," he said.

"It's tough to take it all in right now. I don't think those moments will ever be replaced."

But the British number two said he was still focused on his last event: Britain's Davis Cup tie at Wimbledon which begins on 22 September.

"The Davis Cup is a pretty big focal point and there's a lot of preparation to be done for that," he said.

"I appreciate this is my last tournament but I certainly don't view it as my career ending.

"I'm going to go back home, have a few days off then I'll be back in the gym and practising on the grass."

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However, Henman admitted he may struggle to deal with his emotions when he plays in front of his home crowd at Wimbledon.

"I don't know how I'll deal with it," he said.

"I think there'll be a few tears. I'll be finishing my career and closing a chapter of my life - and it's been such a big part of my life.

"I feel like I've been a professional for 26 years because I made the decision that that's what I wanted to do when I was five or six.

"I'm sure it's going to be much more emotional than it is right now."

But Henman, who beat Dmitry Tursunov for only the second time in said he remained convinced he had made the right decision.

"It was a big decision, but I feel very comfortable with it," he added. "I'm excitied about the future."