"I wouldn't have been able to play at 100 per cent. I'd rather not take the chance. I still hope I can play in Rotterdam next week," the 31-year-old said.

"It's only the second time in my career that I have had to withdraw before the start of an event and the first time was also in Marseille."

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Henman, ranked 36 in the world, was to face young Frenchman Alexandre Sidorenko, winner of the junior title at the Australian Open last month.

Henman has suffered from back problems for more than a year.