Tim Henman suffered a shock two set defeat to German wildcard Lars Burgsmuller in the first round of the Masters Series event in Hamburg today. The British number one looked well below par ahead of this month's French Open as Burgsmuller, who is 54 places below Henman at 67th in the ATP Champions Race, won 6-1 6-4 in one hour and 17 minutes.
It was an error-strewn performance by the Brit, who finished with 20 unforced errors compared to the unfancied German's 12. Henman looked sluggish as Burgsmuller raced to an early 3-1 lead, having broken Henman's serve in game four. Another break followed in the sixth game when he was unable to return Burgsmuller's clever, looping pass down the line. The German took the set in 32 minutes after a nervous final set, but a Henman mishit handed him the a deserved one-set lead.
The errors continued in the second set and with the match going with serve, Burgsmuller showed excellent composure to seal the victory. Henman began to claw his way into the match having trailed 4-2, but the German held his nerve, taking the final game to love, to win 6-4 and ensure another early exit for Henman.
Filed by Shane Murray
