Murray Tops Granollers To Advance in Rome
Seventh-seeded Andy Murray took care of business on Wednesday morning as he defeated Marcel Granollers 6-2, 7-5, to push his way into the third round of the Internazionali BDL d’Italia in Rome.
Murray has played shaky tennis since undergoing back surgery in September, but was able to handle the Spanish Granollers in straight sets. The weather conditions were windy and created some distractions for both players as dust from the clay surface swirled around.
“All the dust and stuff was getting in your eyes,” said Murray. “It was extremely blustery, strong conditions. From one of the ends it was really tough to get any real depth on the ball. I just tried to play a smart match.”
That is precisely what the Scottish native did as he disposed of Granollers in less than 90 minutes. Murray has not reached a tournament final since last year’s Wimbledon, and will move on to face Jurgen Melzer in the third round of this Italian Open.
Melzer defeated Marin Cilic in a long, three-set match that lasted nearly two and a half hours. The Austrian pushed through and was able to win 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3 to set up a bout with Murray, who happens to be 5-0 against the Austrian over the course of their careers.
Also advancing in Rome on Wednesday was Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Milos Raonic. Tsonga notched his 300th tour-level win, beating Kevin Anderson 7-6(14), 7-6(5). Tsonga saved nine set points in what was one of the longest sets of the year, hitting 40 winners and 11 aces to push past the South African, while Raonic knocked off Simone Bolelli.
Rafael Nadal, David Ferrrer and Stanislas Wawrinka will all be in action later Wednesday as they hope to push into the tournament’s third round.
