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.
ATP RomeWhy this month could be key for Murray's hopes of Wimbledon seeding12 HOURS AGO For Murray, it was his first loss in a deciding set this season after nine previous wins. His attention will now turn to the French Open which gets underway on May 28. Murray had to fight hard to hold his opening service game, staving off five break points from Fognini.
But in the third game Fognini did secure a break to move into a 2-1 lead. Fognini looked to be growing in confidence on his favoured surface. Murray was left frustrated when he squandered three break points before the Italian held to move into a 4-2 lead after 48 minutes of high quality tennis.
'Can't underestimate Rafa' — Evert on Nadal an Djokovic status ahead of French Open Wawrinka says his 'level is great' after reaching second round, Edmund out Murray was unhappy with umpire Mohamed Lahyani over a ball mark which saw him go 5-3 down. Murray said repeatedly «you know you've got that wrong», insisting his shot caught the line, but Hawk-Eye afterwards showed the umpire was correct and it had gone out. Murray did his best to stay in the set, but he could not find the break back he needed and Fognini took the first set with a confident love hold.
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