Tim Henman's run of the clay courts at the Rome Masters ended today when he lost 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the third round to slow court specialist Mariano Zabaleta.

While the Briton had enjoyed a relatively easy passage through to the last 16, with straight-sets wins over 20-year-old qualifier Florian Mayer and world number 56 Radek Stepanek, Zabaleta had overcome a much tougher draw, defeating 16th seed Juan Ignacio Chela and defending champion Felix Mantilla.

Henman started well, rallying and timing his approaches to the net perfectly to break the Argentine to love, a break that proved decisive in winning the set, which Henman closed out with an ace.

The Briton's collapse in the second set on Thursday however, was just as spectacular. With a fluffed volley, long backhand and a smash into the base of the net, the fourth seed tamely conceded serve and won just three of the first 15 points of the second set to go 3-0 down.

Zabaleta took charge of the decider as Henman's confidence crumbled. A wide forehand gave Zabaleta a break in the opening game, and the Argentine broke again in the fifth.

Henman's exit, following those of world number one Roger Federer, U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick and third seed Rainer Schuettler, left the tournament without its top four ranked players.

Henman paid tribute to Zabaleta, who had also beaten him in their previous two meetings on clay.

"In the first set I played to as high a level as I can, but I couldn't keep it up. I don't have so many complaints," Henman said.

"Credit to him: in the second and third sets he certainly raised his game and started to play very aggressively and very consistently.

"It was difficult to put pressure on him. He was serving or returning well and that was letting him dictate most of the time."