Andy Murray in robust Rome Masters opener as Djokovic learns destiny

Andy Murray faces a tricky opener on the Rome Masters in opposition to Fabio Fognini after profitable the Challenger match in Aix-en-Provence on Sunday. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has discovered his path in Rome, in what is about to be a captivating ATP Tour occasion.

Murray is using excessive following his victory within the Challenger match, having overwhelmed American Tommy Paul within the closing within the deciding set. The Brit got here by means of to win 2-6 6-1 6-2 with the French Open on the horizon.

And his clay season will ramp up on the Rome Masters, however he faces a troublesome job in opposition to Italian Fognini within the opening spherical of the ATP 1000 match.

Djokovic is again as high seed, and as is the norm, he will get a bye within the first spherical and can get his marketing campaign in Rome underway in opposition to Luca van Assche or Tomas Martin Etcheverry within the second spherical.

Djokovic might be trying over his shoulders within the Italian capital nonetheless, together with his standing as world No 1 set to return to an finish as soon as the fortnight performs out. With Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz enjoying in Rome, it has assured tennis’ subsequent massive factor will overtake his Serbian counterpart.

That means Alcaraz might be high seed on the French Open in an enormous blow to two-time Roland Garros champion Djokovic. Alcaraz will get his Rome Masters journey began in opposition to both Francesco Passaro or Albert Ramos Vinolas.

There are loads of massive names enjoying in Rome, and Murray will know that it will be an enormous ask to achieve the ultimate rounds. But he might be buoyed by his victory within the Aix-en-Provence Challenger. It marked his first silverware since 2019 and his first on the clay floor since 2015.

And after his triumph, the previous world No 1 expressed his aid after a tricky couple of years. “This last year, 18 months has been a bit of struggle with my game.” Murray stated on courtroom.

“But [my team] have been there supporting me and working with me to try and get better. We keep going from here.” And he might be decided to place up a powerful exhibiting to get the arrogance flowing forward of the French Open.

The Roland Garros Grand Slam will get underway on May 22 and finishes on June 11.