Fognini wins to set up meeting with Murray in Rome

Posted May 14, 2017 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Russia's Maria Sharapova prepares to hit the ball during an exhibition at the Rome ancient Colosseum ahead of the Italian Open tennis tournament, Sunday, May 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The Associated Press

ROME (AP) - Fabio Fognini breezed past countryman Matteo Berrettini 6-1, 6-3 Sunday in the first round of the Italian Open to set up a meeting with top-ranked and defending champion Andy Murray.

Fognini required just 70 minutes to dismiss Berrettini, a fellow Italian and a wild card who was making his ATP tour debut.

Also, John Isner defeated 14th-seeded Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 6-1.

Isner served twice to stay in the match in the second set. The 23rd-ranked American will next play Florian Mayer or qualifier Thiago Monteiro.

Also, Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco beat Donald Young of the United States 6-3, 6-3 and Jiri Vezely of the Czech Republic eliminated Daniel Evans of Britain 6-3, 6-1.

Murray and the other top seven seeded players have first-round byes.

Women's play begins Monday.

Russia's Maria Sharapova looks up during an exhibition at the Rome ancient Colosseum ahead of the Italian Open tennis tournament, Sunday, May 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The Associated Press

Russia's Maria Sharapova poses during an exhibition at the Rome ancient Colosseum ahead of the Italian Open tennis tournament, Sunday, May 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The Associated Press

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