Roddick withdraws from Monte Carlo
MONTE CARLO, Monaco -- The opening day's play at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters tournament was overshadowed by the withdrawal of world number two Andy Roddick.
The American top seed opted not to travel to Europe after his defeat by Tommy Haas in the final of the U.S. clay-court championship in Houston on Sunday.
"He has informed the ATP that the reason for the pull out is schedule incompatibility," said an ATP spokesman.
World number one Roger Federer was already missing from the clay-court event because of fatigue, leaving Juan Carlos Ferrero as the top-ranked player left in the draw.
The Spaniard is seeking a third straight title at the event.
Third seed Guillermo Coria of Argentina launched his title bid with a 6-0 6-1 demolition of Sweden's Thomas Enqvist.
British sixth seed Tim Henman staged a stirring comeback to reach the second round with a 6-7 6-4 7-6 win over American Vince Spadea.
"It was hard work out there," said Henman.
"Two years ago when I made it to the semifinals, the conditions were slower and flatter. Now it is a lot quicker and the ball is very difficult to control."
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic suffered his second first round defeat in a week as he crashed to a 4-6 6-2 6-2 defeat against French qualifier Nicolas Devilder.
Two-time winner Gustavo Kuerten was another early casualty, beaten 7-6 6-3 by German fourth seed Rainer Schuettler.
