Federer set to face Spain's Vicente in Japan

TOKYO, Oct 1 (Reuters) World number one Roger Federer is set to play Spain's Fernando Vicente in his opening match at this week's Japan Open following today's draw in Tokyo.

However, Vicente will have to win his first round match before he gets a shot at Federer, who will be making his first tournament appearance in Japan.

Vicente's opponent has yet to be decided after rain washed out several qualifying matches today.

Federer is bidding for his ninth tournament victory of another superb year that also saw the Swiss win the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open.

The nine-times grand slam singles champion is unlikely to play until Wednesday as organisers attempt to clear a backlog of qualifying matches.

Spain's Tommy Robredo is seeded second behind Federer with Britons Andy Murray and Tim Henman also among a strong field.

British number one Murray is seeded fourth with Henman at number 10. The top 16 seeds all received a bye into the second round.

REUTERS AB RK1815