Oxfordshire's Tim Henman had no excuses after throwing away a one-set lead to lose the ABN AMRO Trophy final to defending champion Nicolas Escude in Rotterdam.

The British No 1, from Weston-on-the-Green, pointed to the need to seize the opportunities that come his way, and was not afraid to criticise his own performance after his 3-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 defeat.

"It's a question of winning the important points. Nicolas plays better when he is behind," said Henman, adding: "I don't think I returned his second serve very well."

The defeat means Henman has now lost three finals in four years at the Rotterdam tournament, a fact that leaves the 27-year-old with mixed emotions.

"It's not a pleasant statistic, but it shows I always play good tennis here," he said.

"I feel happy with the way I played this week and I got a lot of confidence. I didn't know how I would play after being sick last week.

"But I'd love to win this tournament."

The victorious Escude, who claimed his first title of 2002, admitted that he went into the final more hoping, than expecting to win.

"I'm very happy. I was very tired today but I just decided to play my best and see what would happen," he said.