LONDON, June 21 (UPI) -- Last year's runner-up Andy Roddick and French Open champion Rafael Nadal were straight-set winners Tuesday at Wimbledon.
But English favorite Tim Henman had to overcome a two-sets-to-love deficit to advance in opening-round action.
Roddick, an American, defeated Czech Jiri Vanek 6-1, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2. The 2003 U.S. Open champion lost to Roger Federer in four sets in last year's Wimbledon finale.
Nadal, 19, improved to 25-1 in his last 26 outings by beating American Vincent Spadea 6-4, 6-3, 6-0. Nadal won 24 straight matches at one point, including a victory over Argentine Mariano Puerta in the French Open final three weeks ago.
Finland's Jarkko Nieminen took a 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) lead against Henman before the veteran made a comeback. He won the last three sets 6-4, 7-5. 6-2. Henman is a four-time Wimbledon semifinalist.
