Murray’s Misery Mounts, Falls To Fognini In Rome; Nadal Wednesday

by Staff | May 17th, 2017, 12:28 am
  • 69 Comments

Andy Murray continued to struggle on Tuesday in Rome. In his opening match of his title defense, the World No. 1 was dismissed rather routinely by local Fabio Fognini 6-2, 6-4.

“I wasn’t creating enough chances on my own,” said Murray who won last year’s title without losing a set. “Normally during matches your opponent might give you a few opportunities with some errors, and obviously you hope to create a few yourself. That certainly wasn’t the case today. The only chance I really got was when he was making errors.”

Murray is now just 4-4 on the clay season and has just one semifinal in his last five events. And his confidence can’t be high heading into the French Open where he’s defending final points.


“I felt like after Barcelona I would start to play better, and the last two weeks have certainly not been as good as Monte Carlo and Barcelona. Even the match I lost in Monte Carlo, I did actually feel like I played some good tennis,” Murray said. “The last couple of weeks have definitely been a struggle and a long way from where I’d like to be.

“But the last few weeks, there is no reason for it from my end. I’m just not playing good tennis, and I need to try and work out how to turn that around. I believe I will.”

Murray’s compatriot Aljaz Bedene was on earlier he was up early on against Novak Djokovic before the 4-time Rome champion found his form with a 7-6(2), 6-2 victory.

“A little bit of a slower start, but Bedene is the kind of player that gives you good rhythm. I had some good exchanges, some good games with rallies and it felt right, especially in the second set. I played a great tie- break. Served very well when I needed to,” Djokovic said. “I just wish that I had started a little bit sharper. But hopefully the next one will be good.”

On the day, Murray was the only seed to fall. Tomas Berdych collected his 600th career match win beating Carlos Berlocq 6-3, 6-4 also in the second round. Marin Cilic ousted Ryan Harrison and David Goffin took out Fernando Verdasco in three sets.

Alexander Zverev, Jack Sock and Pablo Carreno Busta were first round winners.

Former Top 5 David Ferrer won his 700th match by upending countryman Feliciano Lopez.

On Wednesday, 7-time champion Rafael Nadal opens play against countryman Nicolas Almagro. Ferrer faces Kei Nishikori who is coming off a wrist injury from Madrid. And for the second straight week Stan Wawrinka meets good friend Benoit Paire.

Juan Martin del Potro is also in action against Kyle Edmund and Dominic Thiem meets Pablo Cuevas in a rematch of their Madrid semifinal.

WEDNESDAY ROME SCHEDULE
CENTRALE start 12:00 noon
ATP – [7] K. Nishikori (JPN) vs D. Ferrer (ESP)
ATP – [Q] N. Almagro (ESP) vs [4] R. Nadal (ESP)
WTA – [1] A. Kerber (GER) vs [Q] A. Kontaveit (EST)
Not Before 7:30 pm
ATP – [3] S. Wawrinka (SUI) vs B. Paire (FRA)
Not Before 9:00 pm
WTA – [Q] J. Ostapenko (LAT) vs [3] G. Muguruza (ESP)

NEXT GEN ARENA start 11:00 am
WTA – [8] E. Svitolina (UKR) vs A. Cornet (FRA)
Not Before 12:00 noon
ATP – K. Edmund (GBR) vs J. del Potro (ARG)
WTA – L. Tsurenko (UKR) vs [9] V. Williams (USA)
ATP – [8] D. Thiem (AUT) vs P. Cuevas (URU)
Not Before 7:00 pm
ATP – [Q] J. Struff (GER) vs S. Querrey (USA)


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Del Potro Denies Dimitrov In Rome; Murray Opens Title Defense Tuesday
Federer Falls Off Again in SF Loss to Djokovic at Rome
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69 Comments for Murray’s Misery Mounts, Falls To Fognini In Rome; Nadal Wednesday

Margot Says:

No surprise. Foggy is an excellent clay courter and Andy is way below par at the mo. Needs some R and R. Wish he’d do a Fed TBH.


Van Persie Says:

Watched only the 1 set yesterday. Fognini played amazing and Andy is not the same player from 2016 clay season.


Wog Boy Says:

Just watch now how Nole is going to bomb out in the next round. They developed pattern, if one is going out, the other one makes sure to go out in the next round, just not to outdone.. real buddies..;)


Wog Boy Says:

Are you sure that Pepe is not sharing his services with both of them? They both look confused on the court.


Van Persie Says:

WB,

LOL.
Nole would had lost yesterday, if he had to play Fognini. Am pretty sure of that..


Wog Boy Says:

@1:22am

“..just not to be outdone..”


Van Persie Says:

“Are you sure that Pepe is not sharing his services with both of them?”

Andy is planning “to steal” Pepe from Nole. Lendl has advised him to do so ;)


Wog Boy Says:

VP,

Agree, Fognini is very deceiving player, particularly his speed is deceiving. When you think he is just moving in slow motion not interested to play, next thing… boom, her some deadly CC FH or BH is coming your way.


Wog Boy Says:

Is Pepe in Rome? Haven’t seen the match.


Van Persie Says:

^^

Did not see him yesterday in the stands. Marko, Jelena and PR staff were there.


Wog Boy Says:

Did he played ok against British who is not allowed to be British.


Wog Boy Says:

I guess Pepe is busy spreading peace and love around the world, he can’t sell that to Italians, wrong country for him, Italians can sell ice to Eskimos..


Van Persie Says:

I was not very impressed, WB. I expected an easier win against Bedene. Could be I underestimate Bedene. The Brit hold his nerve very good against Nole during the 1 set, excepting the TB.

Am pretty sure, Nole will have to play RBA in the next round, so it will be tougher.


Wog Boy Says:

Sure VP, he beat him in Shanghai.


Wog Boy Says:

I mean RBA beat Nole.


Van Persie Says:

Then, it was Nole’s first match on Foro Italico, different conditions from Madrid. Perhaps he will play better in the next round. He was not very pleased about the court conditions.


Van Persie Says:

WB,

Did ask already on another thread. Do you think Nole might taking into consideration Ivanisevic (should Agassi say “pass”)as coach. He tweeted about training a bit with him a few days ago.


Van Persie Says:

^^ Have to admit, I always had a weakness for Ivanisevic. Was a child when he played those finals against Sampras at Wimbly…was always so sad, when he lost. Goran was for me the most beautiful guy in the tour, at that moment. hehe.


Wog Boy Says:

I don’t think he will end up with Ivanisevic, there is few reasons for that. I met him in Melbourne and spent some time in his vicinity so could hear Goran’s conversations, he doesn’t sound like sharpest knife in the drawer, but again, everything is possible with Nole these days.
I’ve seen the other players having a problem with courts too last night, Nole’s match was to late for me, that’s not the first time Rome has problems with courts, ah those Italians, dodgy work;)


Wog Boy Says:

Sh$t, I just read your last post VP, shouldn’t have said what I said about Goran, feel bad now☹️


Van Persie Says:

Lol WB, why? He’s not my husband, and btw, I appreciate honesty. Also do not think, he would be Nole’s best coach at the moment.


Van Persie Says:

But when I see Goran, all those memories are coming back to me. Lol…I was almost a teenager, started to hear Pearl Jam and all the grunge music.


Wog Boy Says:

He was very popular when he strated as 17 years old and played DC matches for Yugoslavia, his mentor was Boba Zivojinovic and nicknamed him “zec” meaning “rabbit” for whatever reason, but when civil war started he said some bad things about his former team mates from Yugoslavia, he tried to make it up later after war finished, but bad taste in the mouth stayed.


Margot Says:

Lol you two! Andy certainly needs something, not too sure it’s Huggy tho.


Van Persie Says:

I am sorry for that. Did not know all of this. But I remember telling a Serbe at the end of 90′ that I liked Ivanisevic very much. I meant it as a compliment….regretted it afterwards :D


Van Persie Says:

^ I was big fan of 2 celebrities from Yougoslavia at that moment: Bajaga and Ivanisevic.


Wog Boy Says:

Well Margot, as real buddies they should share everything (not wives) eve Pepe:)

VP, I liked Bajaga, this one particulary, enjoy it:

https://youtu.be/_FHhM3n_D6E


Van Persie Says:

WB,

Thanks ;) I have this song as many others from Bajaga. Just hearing now “Tekila gerila”. Try to really wake up so that I can work a bit. Lol


Van Persie Says:

Margot,

Would be fun to see Pepe in Andy’s box with “poker face” Lendl :) Bad cop vs. good cop ;)


Wog Boy Says:

It’s better if we stop now, you do some work and I’ll do mine or nostalgia is about to hit me and when nostalgia hits me I hit the bottle and it is bye bye, but I can’t afford to do that since I will be on the toad for another couple of hours.
Ok this is last one “Ruski voz” and Bajaga, goes well with white line on the road and beautiful sunset in Australia.


Wog Boy Says:

^^^
For you VP.


Wog Boy Says:

I might as well give you link:)

https://youtu.be/JwR_ewrGCHQ


Van Persie Says:

Ok, WB. Have a good trip. “Ruski voz” and beautiful sunset in Australia, nice combination. Try also “442 da Beograda”, helps you on the road; haha.
Am also off now.


Wog Boy Says:

VP,

@3:11 am

😂😂😂


Talbot Tennis Says:

Andy seems a bit out of form, not being able to get back in form for a long time now


Saieaswar Says:

I think Andy should skip FO and start preparing for Grass season.If he does that he has a chance at Wimbledon otherwise early exits will continue for Andy.For Nole I think it is not a concern because he has achieved everything and also he is going through what Roger and Rafa had in their career.


Colin Says:

When Andy won in Madrid last year, beating Rafa on his own clay, no doubt Rafa fans consoled themselves by recalling how many major titles their man had to his name. I suppose I can take a similar line. Andy was well beaten last night, but he has won three slams, and Fognini is unlikely to win any at this stage in his career, because of inconsistency.
Although the second set scoreline was great, Fabio several times roared with frustration at having missed a shot, so he can get nervous too,even on clay.
As I said on the previous thread, I’m waiting impatiently to see Andy back on hard courts and grass


Willow Says:

Colin i have a feeling our Andy really has one eye on the green, green, grass of home, to be fair clay was never his best surface ….


J-Kath Says:

If you can’t move swiftly and run like a deer, hop like a hare and you’ve got the energy of a stuffed parrot – you can’t expect to win a tennis match. If Andy does play the FO, I hope all of his matches are 5-setters, but I’d rather he skipped the FO and started training on grass. If he doesn’t have a moderately ood grass season then he needs to take all those covers of his mirrors.


Margot Says:

VP @ 3.11am
Your comment made me laugh and cry at the same time!


fred stone Says:

Unfortunate for Almagro, but thank you tennis gods for ending the match early, sparing us fans from enduring the constant time-wasting by the King of Delay.


Wog Boy Says:

Andy’s fans, just watched highlights, don’t go too hard on Andy, Fognini was on fire, and he (Fognini) looks far fitter than ever before.
I liked his apparel too, it is pricey Italian brand, but for a reason, I love it.


J-Kath Says:

Wogboy:

Thank you for your encouragement. However, Fognini has never been an easy match-up for Andy. That said, Andy gave himself “zero pointes” for his own performance.


Wog Boy Says:

JK,
Yes, I’ve seen his interview after the match, he certainly can’t be happy with serving 48% and few other things, but Fognini was quite an animal compare to Coric match.


Van Persie Says:

JK,

I agree with WB. If Andy will not meet Nadal, Fogna, Thiem and a few 10 others, he might win FO. Same for Nole :)


gonzalowski Says:

Conchita Martínez, Wimb champ and Davis Cup male-team captain for Spain, about Andy Murray. “He is not playing well and his attitude on the track is not correct,”


Wog Boy Says:

Just watching Raonic vs Haas and I don’t know if it is only me, but I don’t remember Haas wearing any other socks but black, not that I’ve seen many of his matches, but black soks are first thing I notice…that tells you how interesting is this match;)

JK, you reckon I should open Glenfiddich reserve cask collection bottle that I am looking at at this very moment?


Wog Boy Says:

VP,
You are on a roll…but agree with you.


Van Persie Says:

^ had a stressfull day and try to take things not very serious. Thank God is over for today.


Wog Boy Says:

Same here, back home, well after midnight, lot of miles under my wheels today, really tired, but still kicking thanks to PED called Scotch Whisky..ran out of brandy:)


Van Persie Says:

Enjoy it, WB. I’m out with some colleagues for Thai food. Byes ;)


gonzalowski Says:

fred stone, about time: “The ATP, working for the tennis of the future, in the finals of the Next Gen in Milan, from November 7 to 11, will introduce matches to the best of five sets but with a limit of four games, in addition to the introduction of a clock on track that controls the 25 seconds of time between the players between point and point”


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Del Potro through! I’m getting excited for Del Potro’s year. Shaping into an interesting tournament. I would like to see someone challenge Rafa! Will it be DelPo?

Meanwhile, Thiem, Goffin and Zverev keep cementing their status as regular late tourney-challengers.


Margot Says:

TV: Rafa would make JMDP run and run, so no. Dimi should’ve, I know, I know “should’ve” won in that first match and Edmund plays too similar to JMDP, but worse. More chance on a different surface, I’d say. Gonna be one of the “next gen” who challenge Rafa on clay I reckon, but not this year.
Sock played an interesting match, all nonchalant and not bothered then suddenly, in the tie break, he pounced and absolutely hammered Vesely!


J-Kath Says:

Wog Boy @ 10.37am

Glenfiddick is for special occasions, dear boy – unless you’ve got a cellar full….

My regular is Whyte & Mackay – why? Because it is dark coloured and can take lots more ice and still look special….and last for at least an hour.

VP: You may be right about Nole – but Andy can’t beat anyone apart from myself …….


Giles Says:

The correct spelling is Glenfiddich! :)


lylenubbins Says:

Fabio has a very short back swing and great timing. Different stroke than most on the tour, very dangerous when he is firing on all cylinders – – just ask Rafa!


J-Kath Says:

Giles: Yes your spelling is correct….I’m afraid I don’t check my speel…


chrisford1 Says:

Margot: ” Gonna be one of the “next gen” who challenge Rafa on clay I reckon, but not this year.”
Djoker may be back and competitive with Rafa on clay again. I’d be shocked if Novak won either Roma or the French Open this year. I wish a return to form and the amazing, consistent of winning and going deep is not something that turns on a pinhead. Djokovic may not be “back” for many months to come and may never dominate like he used to. But add him to the possibles n clay in 2018 besides any of the young guns.
Of the “gun guns” I dunno! At one time I thought it was Milos who would wreck and destroy and get the 1st Slam or WTF, get 2 or more Masters 1000s each year, but he is like Nishikori, always getting injured.


Betterer Says:

Nice gesture and chemistry between WB and VP here I see :D


Margot Says:

Interesting Chris because I don’t even think of Milos and Kei as “next gen” any more. They seem to be “missing gen.” As you say they are so often injured. I see them both playing really well, as in this tournament, and I think, “wow.” Next moment they’re out with injuries. Think Gorgeous Grig is part of that too, tho not for injuries, and I hope I’m wrong.
Next gen is The DOMinator, Naughty Nick, Zverev, Coric, Chung etc


Van Persie Says:

Betterer,

Glad you like it :)


gonzalowski Says:

Nole still scares me, think he can beat Rafa at Rome, or RG. (hope no)

And we’d look at Pepe with New eyes


the_mind_reels Says:

Djokovic is back to his weird balance/stumbling antics when missing ground strokes. Also seems quite angry at the dirt today. The guy doesn’t have the focus he used to.


Margot Says:

^ Lots of guys have been kicking off about the dirt kicking up, to be fair.


Daniel Says:

Yeah, a lot of players complaining about court conditions.


chrisford1 Says:

You have a knack for a phrase, now and then, Margot.

“mind-reels” – just leave it at Djokovic and Nada have their quirks on court, Roger is too perfect to ever be less than perfect, and Andy needs a new quirk besides berating himself r his box.
“Mind -reels” – Enjoy Rafa and Novak while they are around – you will not see their likes again. Break the mold unique. Both from their skill sets cannot be replicated, nor their personality’s quirky ways. Not that anyone, I think, would want to replicate their personalities precisely.


Danica Says:

Rome masters traditionally has problem with holes on the courts and irregularly settled clay in some places. So, no wonder Nole “acted”. Others reacted too.

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