Tennis: Tim Henman Drops Out in First Round of Rome Masters

Tim Henman failed to survive past the first round at the Rome Masters, falling to a 7-5, 6-1 defeat at the hands of Spain's Nicolas Almagro.

Henman, a late entrant following David Nalbandian's withdrawal on Saturday, started brightly against clay-specialist Almagro, but appeared to tire as the match went on. Almagro took advantage, grinding down his opponent to secure a second-round meeting with world No1 Roger Federer.

The opening set went with serve until Henman, whose only ranking victory this year came against Nicolas Mahut in Las Vegas in February, was forced to serve to stay in the set 6-5 down. Then The Spaniard upped a gear, taking the set on his second break point with a superb backhand shot down the line.

Almagro, who has already triumphed on clay in Valencia this season, quickly found his rhythm in the second set, breaking Henman's serve twice before closing out victory with an ace.