Veterans shine at Italian Open as Fognini beats Murray; Wawrinka advances
ROME: Fabio Fognini edged fellow 35-year-old Andy Murray in a nearly three-hour battle in the opening round of the Italian Open on Wednesday.
Andy Murray Sport News
Andy Murray crashes out of Italian Open in Rome in the first round to Fabio Fognini in three sets
Andy Murray has been knocked out of the Italian Open in the first round after losing 6-4 4-6 6-4 to home favourite Fabio Fognini. The 35-year-old pushed Fognini all the way, but the Italian was able to regain his composure in the third set to take a 5-4 lead in the head-to-head record against his familiar foe. Ad Fognini, who was given a wild card to play in Rome, will play Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round.
Wawrinka makes short work of Ivashka in Rome opener
ROME : Former world number three Stan Wawrinka shone following a rain delay at the Italian Open on Wednesday as the oldest player in the men's draw powered past Ilya Ivashka 6-2 6-4 to book his place in the second round.
Why Italian Open and French Open could be key for Andy Murray's hopes of Wimbledon seeding spot
Of the 46 titles he has won in his career to date, the second-tier ATP Challenger event won in Aix-en-Provence last weekend is unlikely to rank near the top for Andy Murray in terms of prestige. But in terms of how the remainder of his 2023 season pans out, it could be an absolutely vital one. Ad Murray appeared to be in a tough spot before playing the tournament, unsure whether to continue to commit to playing on clay following first-round losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, and seemingly growing more frustrated in every match at not producing the same level he did during an encouraging start to the year.
Riley Gaines calls on famous female athletes to choose a side in trans debate. Here's who she's starting with
Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines says the future of women's sports relies on girls refusing to compete against transgender athletes, sacrificing their title.
Andy Murray to face Fabio Fognini in Italian Open first round, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz learn draws
Andy Murray has been handed a tricky first-round clash at the Italian Open against home favourite Fabio Fognini. Murray won his first title in almost four years with a comeback victory over Tommy Paul at Open Aix-en-Provence on Sunday. Ad But he has lost two of his last three meetings against Fognini, including when they met most recently in Shanghai in 2019.
Murray Wins First Title Since 2019 To Boost Wimbledon Seeding Bid
Former world number one Andy Murray won his first title since 2019 on Sunday with victory at the Aix-en-Provence Challenger in France. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray had gone without a title since he triumphed in Antwerp in October 2019. Murray, now ranked 52, defeated top seed Tommy Paul, the world number 17 from the United States, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the final of the clay court event. The 35-year-old Briton, who is hoping to boost his ranking to ensure a seeded spot in the Wimbledon draw in July, last won on the second-tier Challenger tour at American events in Aptos and Binghamton in 2005.
Andy Murray wins first title since 2019 at Open Aix-en-Provence in return to form ahead of Roland-Garros
Andy Murray won his first title in almost four years with a 2-6 6-1 6-2 comeback win over Tommy Paul at Open Aix-en-Provence on Sunday in France. Murray had been struggling for form before arriving in Provence, as he prepares for the clay court Grand Slam event at Roland-Garros next month. Ad However his form and fortune appears to have changed for now, and he beat some notable names on his way to victory, including veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils, and Luca Van Assche in the quarter-finals.