Murray out in windy Rome

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:26

The British pair bowed out of the event, losing to world number 47 pair Julien Benneteau and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who claimed a 6-4 6-4 victory.

“The conditions were terrible,” admitted Murray. “There was dust everywhere, wind blowing leaves from the trees on to the court.”

He added: “We had to stop in between points because dust was getting in our eyes.

“I’ve played in windy conditions before but unlike Barcelona, where it also can get windy, this was something else.”

Murray will be back in action in the singles draw when he takes to the court against Juan Monaco on Tuesday. The Argentinian player, who is ranked 58, earlier beat Nicolas Kiefer 6-3 6-4.

Murray, who has been training in Rome since Friday, is wary of clay-court specialist Monaco but is confident about his chances of going far in this tournament.

“Monaco had an injury last year but before that he was ranked in the top 20,” he said. “He does well on clay and looks comfortable on this surface.

“He has been playing well in this surface in tournaments in South America, while he reached the fourth round of the 2007 French and US Open.

“But I am feeling more comfortable on clay this year than with respect to last year.”

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