Henman has never been past the last 16 at the US Open Henman's defeat in pictures

Roddick came through 6-3 7-6 6-3 to set up a second round clash with Ivan Ljubicic - and leave Britian without a representative after Greg Rusedski went out on Monday.

The key moment for Henman came when he was broken serving to level the match at one set all.

From then on, he was never able to get back on terms with the fourth seed.

"I went into this match knowing good and well I could be going home afterwards," said Roddick.

"And I knew it would be so disappointing if I was playing so well and just came here and lost in the first round."

Henman admitted he blew his chance of an upset when he failed to serve out for the second set at 5-4 up.

"The second set was the key," said the British number one. "I felt like my game was very close to making life awkward for him.

In my opinion, he's playing better than anyone in the world right now Henman on Roddick

"At one set all, I think it's anyone's match. At two sets to love, Andy's confidence is only going in one direction.

"I had very few opportunities on his serve. His service games were going quicker and quicker. But if it had been a set all, then perhaps he starts to feel a little bit more pressure."

Henman feels that Roddick has the ability to go all the way at Flushing Meadows.

"In my opinion, he's playing better than anyone in the world right now," said the 28-year-old Brit.

"You know he is going to be very tough to beat. He's so confident right now.

"He's got such a big game, but he's using it very, very well. I think that's probably been the difference in the last couple of months."

"I don't know what his first-serve percentage was, but he served very, very well.

"When you've got a weapon like that, and you're backing it up with a big forehand, it's very tough to play against."