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.

ATP RomeNadal's French Open hopes suffer fresh blow following Rome Masters withdrawal05/05/2023 AT 15:42 Murray, who is up to No. 42 in the world rankings following his title success, would face 30th seed Miomir Kecmanovic if he beats Fognini. World No.

1 Novak Djokovic is also on Murray’s half of the draw as he makes his return after missing the Madrid Open with injury. Djokovic will open against either Luca Van Assche or Tomas Martin Etcheverry. He could then face either Grigor Dimitrov or Stan Wawrinka in the third round.

British No. 1 Cameron Norrie and world No. 7 Holger Rune are also in Djokovic’s quarter.

Carlos Alcaraz is on the other half of the draw as he looks for a third tournament win in a row. The 20-year-old is assured of taking over from Djokovic as world No. 1 after the Italian Open as long as he plays a match.

Murray ends title drought with victory on ATP Challenger Tour Swiatek in line for Rybakina, Jabeur clashes in Rome He opens against either Italian Francesco Passaro or Albert Ramos-Vinolas. Last year’s Rome runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas is in Alcaraz’s quarter. The Italian Open is the last big event before the French Open starts on May 28.