Full Masters Cup field Photos from Houston

The pair were frustrated by persistent drizzle for more than 90 minutes before finally getting on court, but when the action began it was worth the wait.

Henman more than played his part before eventually going down 7-5 7-6 (8/6).

The Briton was broken just once, late in the first set, and Roddick kept a strong grip on the second set before coming from behind in the tie break.

Despite the defeat, Henman can still qualify for the semi-finals of the season's last event with two more matches in the round-robin stage to come.

Safin sees off Coria

On this evidence he will have a good chance of getting the better of Guillermo Coria as well as the in-form Marat Safin.

"It's certainly the best I've played since probably New York," Henman said.

"I've won some quality matches against Andy. Tonight was his turn. Losing is never fun but when you compete the way I did you can't second guess yourself.

"I've got to look at the positives. I know I'm hitting the ball well. You move on from that."

"I can't remember volleying as well," Roddick said. "I felt like I moved great and volleyed great. That's probably an atypical match for me."

Henman, defending an impressive 3-1 record against the world number two, made Roddick earn his victory the hard way.

Roddick was on the threshold of making the first breakthrough in the 10th game of the first set only to see Henman come back from 0-30 down with a fine backhand volley and equally impressive forehand.

In the very next game it was the American's turn to fight back, saving two break points, before he won the set with his only break point of the night, converting a backhand return service winner.

The second set went with serve until the tie-break when Henman seized a 5-2 lead.

But Roddick, urged on by the partisan home support, forced his way back with some wonderful winners before closing out proceedings on his second match point.