Agassi beats Rusedski in Dubai
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-28 09:33

Lopez fought off three break points that would have given Henman the momentum of a 2-0 lead and then broke to lead 2-1 when the Briton failed to pick up a low forehand.

Henman also had to fend off two break points in the seventh game before Lopez, leading 5-4, double-faulted on break point.

Henman held a match point at 6-5, which Lopez saved with a forehand volley, and recovered from 0-3 in the tiebreak, claiming it 8-6 on his fifth match point.

"The first set I played very solidly but he was making so many unforced errors," said Henman.

"Then I played one or two loose points on the 1-1 game in the second set and that gave him a lot of confidence. It was amazing how much better he played from then, from playing ordinary to playing some pretty good stuff."