Italian Open: Andy Murray starts with a win to enter third round

Unbeaten Andy Murray kept his clay-court purple patch alive yesterday, defeating Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-3 to reach the third round of the Italian Open

Rome: Unbeaten Andy Murray kept his clay-court purple patch alive yesterday, defeating Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-3 to reach the third round of the Italian Open.


Andy Murray returns to Jeremy Chardy yesterday. Pic:AP/PTI 

Murray now owns a dominating 10-0 start on the dirt as he competes at the Foro Italico after making a late decision to see how his body had held up after his Madrid Open win on Sunday over Rafael Nadal.

"My legs were a bit tired at the start but they started to feel better after a few games," said Murray.

"I played a good match. He (Chardy) has a big serve, it was tough for me. But I hung in, moved well and didn't give him loads of opportunities. I served well throughout the match. I'm happy with how I adjusted to condition."

Nadal wins too
Nadal, his seeding down to fourth, began his title defence and the quest for a record eighth Rome trophy as he crushed Turk Marsel Ilhan 6-2, 6-0 in barely one and a quarter hours.

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