Andy Murray in tough Rome Masters opener as Novak Djokovic learns of fate amid rankings woes

Andy Murray takes on Fabio Fognini in the Rome Masters opener after winning the Challenger tournament in Aix-en-Provence on Sunday. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has learned his way in Rome, in what promises to be a fascinating ATP Tour event.

Murray is riding high after winning the Challenger Tournament, having beaten American Tommy Paul in the final in the deciding set. The Brit won 2-6 6-1 6-2 with the French Open on the horizon.

And his clay-court season will intensify at the Rome Masters, but he will face a tough task against Italian Fognini in the first round of the ATP 1000 tournament.

Djokovic is back as the top seed, and as is the norm, he gets a first-round bye and will start his campaign in Rome against either Luca van Assche or Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round.< /p>

Djokovic will watch his shoulders in the Italian capital, however, with his status as world No.1 set to end once the fortnight is over. With Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz playing in Rome, tennis' next big thing is guaranteed to overtake his Serbian counterpart.

This means Alcaraz will be the top seed at Roland Garros in a huge blow to two-time Roland Garros champion Djokovic. Alcaraz will start his journey at the Rome Masters against Francesco Passaro or Albert Ramos Vinolas.

There are a lot of big names playing in Rome, and Murray will know that it will be a huge demand to reach the final rounds. But he will be carried by his victory in the Challenger of Aix-en-Provence. It was his first silverware since 2019 and his first on clay since 2015.

And after his triumph, the former world number 1 expressed his relief after a difficult few years. "Last year, 18 months was a bit difficult with my game." Murray said on the court.

"But [my team] is there to support me and work with me to try to improve. We're continuing from here." And he will be determined to put on a good show to gain confidence ahead of Roland-Garros.

The Roland Garros Grand Slam starts on May 22 and ends on June 11.