Henman to miss Marseille

Tim Henman has pulled out of the Open 13 event in Marseille just hours before he was due to play young Frenchman Alexandre Sidorenko.

The British number one cited the recurrence of a back problem for forcing his withdrawal.

“I wouldn’t have been able to play at 100%. I’d rather not take the chance. I still hope I can play in Rotterdam next week,” the 31-year-old said.

“It’s only the second time in my career that I have had to withdraw before the start of an event and the first time was also in Marseille.”