Henman faces tough opener

Tim Henman will face Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic in the first round of the Olympic tennis tournament in Athens.

The British number one was drawn against the world number 27 this morning and could face Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer in the third round.

Henman was included in the bottom half of the draw alongside Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick, who he is scheduled to meet in the semi-finals.

Roddick, the second seed, will play Brazil’s Flavio Saretta in the first round while top seed and Wimbledon champion Roger Federer is up against Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko.

In the women’s singles, top seed Justine Henin-Hardenne will face Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic in the first round and second seed Amelie Mauresmo of France will play Spain’s Conchita Martinez of Spain.