Henman needs a lucky break

Tim Henman's need for another top player to suffer an injury setback this week has never been greater after he was drawn against US Open favourite Andy Roddick in the first round of next week's Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows.

If one of the 32 seeds drops out before play starts on Monday then Henman, as the world No33, will take their place in the draw and avoid the fourth-seeded Roddick.

A clean bill of health for the top 32 would leave Henman with the task of repeating his semi-final success over Roddick in Washington - the last time the American was beaten.

Since that defeat, Roddick has won two titles and recorded 12 straight wins.

British No2 Greg Rusedski is also unseeded but will fancy his chances against France's Gregory Carraz, the world No102.