Tim Henman crashed out of the ATP Rome Masters Series event today after losing 6-3 6-7 0-6 in the first round to Chilean qualifier Fernando Gonzalez. The British number one eased through the first set but struggled in the second, taking some pills to settle an apparent upset stomach midway through the second set. After losing the set in a tie-break, the fifth seed battled on bravely but to no avail as he lost every game in the final set.
The first signs of Henman being in trouble came at the break with Gonzalez 3-2 ahead. Henman summoned an ATP trainer to the court and took a couple of pills to settle an upset stomach. He swept into a 4-2 lead in the tie-break at the end of the set but ultimately lost it 7-3 after netting a simple backhand volley at the net. Despite carrying on bravely in the third set Henman was clearly struggling and after failing to convert a break point on the Gonzalez serve at 1-0 down he faded fast.
Filed by Shane Murray
