Share

Murray's Rome decision on hold

Rome - Andy Murray has put back his decision on whether to play the Italian Open, with the third-seed saying on Tuesday that he won't decide until he completes an afternoon training session.

"I'm training again and will decide later," said last week's Munich and Madrid champion whose pair of titles marked a personal breakthrough on the clay.

"It's been a long couple of weeks, but I wanted to train and see how my legs felt," he explained.

"I don't feel that tired today, I'll do some more moving and see how I feel. I'll meet with the team and decide after that."

Murray's decision cannot be making life any easier for intended second-round opponent Jeremy Chardy, who does not know whom he might actually meet on Wednesday at the Foro Italico.

Murray, who defeated Rafael Nadal in a Madrid final shock said that whatever the case, his preparation for Roland Garros seems to be on track.

"This year I feel a lot healthier on the clay, I have to thank my team, which has made some big changes in my clay preparation. That's helped for sure.

"I also didn't feel much pressure last week, I didn't have very high expectations. I just played and felt better and better in each match."

Murray was also making no apologies for leaving his Rome participation decision so late.

"This happens every single week when guys pull out late. I'm not waiting until tomorrow, I'll decide today after a proper practise."

As the complex sheduling of the event proceeded, results were all over the charts.

In the women's first round, Spanish tenth seed Carla Suarez Navarro beat German Mona Barthel 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 while Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic defeated Monica Puig 7-5, 6-3.

Third seed Maria Sharapova became the first into the third round as she advanced when Australian Jarmila Gajdosova retired trailing 6-2, 3-1.

In the men's first round, Guillermo Garcia-Lopez beat slumping US Open winner Marin Cilic, as the Croatian ninth seed lost 6-4, 6-3.

Brazil's Thomaz Bellucci advanced as Argentine Diego Schwartzman quit as he trailed 6-4, 4-3.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE