Andy Murray has been knocked out within the first spherical of the Italian Open after struggling a defeat to Fabio Fognini.
Murray, recent from claiming success at an ATP Challenger occasion in Aix-en-Provence on Sunday, had hoped to increase his five-match successful streak however as a substitute noticed his time in Rome finish early to the 35-year-old dwelling favorite.
A 6-4 4-6 6-4 defeat to the world No 130 halts the momentum of the Briton, who will now flip his consideration to the French Open later this month.
Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray made the worst potential begin in Italy with Fognini capable of break him in his opening service recreation.
Whereas the Scot did drive a lot of alternatives to interrupt again at 3-2, he didn’t seize the second and his frustration boiled over later within the set with a debate occurring with umpire Mohamed Lahyani over a decent line name that noticed Fognini go 5-3 up.
Fognini went on to clinch a 69-minute opener however rapidly discovered himself 4-0 down within the second with Murray hitting his straps, albeit helped by a string of double-faults from his opponent.
A second-set wobble noticed the veterans trade breaks earlier than Murray did drive a decider with the encounter by that time edging previous the two-hour mark.
Regardless of Fognini seemingly struggling bodily in the course of the second set, he discovered a brand new lease of life and took the initiative with an early break within the third.
Murray tried to maintain tempo with the Italian, who was mixing an array of baseline winners with unforced errors, however a priority for the two-time Wimbledon winner occurred when he held his again in the course of the seventh recreation of the third.
It was not sufficient to cease the brand new world No 42 from persevering with, and but there could be no large fightback on this event with Fognini incomes a fifth victory in 9 conferences because of an ace after two hours and 55 minutes.
This newest first-round exit at an ATP 1000 occasion on clay, after related losses in Madrid and Monto-Carlo, will give Murray round 10 days preparation earlier than the French Open begins on Could 22, however he’s now unlikely to be seeded at Roland Garros.
Fellow Briton Kyle Edmund was additionally knocked out within the Italian Open first spherical after he suffered a 6-1 6-3 defeat to Alexandre Muller.
World No 473 Edmund noticed his struggles proceed towards a French participant who broke into the highest 100 final month.
Muller managed to wrap up the primary set in 23 minutes in Rome and, whereas Edmund was capable of push his opponent extra within the second, the previous Australian Open semi-finalist was consigned to a 3rd consecutive loss.