Henman had chances in the first set but failed to use them

He saved three break points for 3-2 in the first set but let break points slip in each of Ferrero's next two games.

The Briton was broken again in the third and seventh games of the second set, as Fererro served out for victory.

The 2002 and 2003 winner will face either Nicholas Massu or Filippo Volandri in the second round.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Henman's form

Henman said that his back pain had limited him to an hour of practise in Monte Carlo without any full-on serving.

"My back's been pretty sore," said the 32-year-old. "I guess I'll have to rest a bit and get ready for Rome (starting 7 May)."

It is always dangerous to play against Tim, but I played well today Juan Carlos Ferrero

Having failed to take advantage of a 0-30 lead on Ferrero's serve for a chance to go 4-2 up in the first set, and again lost a two-point advantage in the Spaniard's next service game, it looked like it was not going to be Henman's day.

This feeling was confirmed when he volleyed into the net to be broken in the 11th game, and then in the 12th put an attempted drop-shot long, giving Ferrero the set.

An early break of serve in the second set gave Ferrero the upper hand, and once he found his groove, Henman had little hope of delaying his progress.