Murray will begin again while Federer leaves
Andy Murray improved from a deprived beginning to lead Italy’s Fabio Fognini by a set when rain halted third round play at the Monte Carlo Masters 1000. The Briton was leading 7-6 (13-11) 1-0 after improving from 5-0 down in the starting set on Court des Princes.
Murray will begin again at 0930 BST on Wednesday, with a potency quarter final to follow later on in the day. Roger Federer’s fights continued as he downed 6-4 7-5 to fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka on Thursday.
The world number two had received a wildcard into the occasion as he appears for a first title since October.
Federer said, “I was producing a little too many faults that sort of gave him the benefit. I just thought Stan played well. I’m pleased and contented for him that he has made progressed so much in the last couple years. He’s lastly building a push, acquiring close to top players and crushing top players like myself. I think it’s big for him.”
Federer downs Italian Andreas Seppi easily sufficient in his starting match but 13th seed Wawrinka, who achieved the Olympic doubles title with Federer in Beijing, proved far tougher. The beginning of play was late by over five hours and saw Murray’s match changed to the second show court, while Federer got centre stage on Court Central.
But it was Wawrinka who burst serve in the seventh game when he changed his sixth break point, while Federer had yet to manage one. The natural mistakes that have haunted Federer all year continued to run and, after the pair swapped breaks at the beginning of the second set, an untamed forehand put Wawrinka forward once more at 6-5.
Federer made two break points as Wawrinka served for the match but the fewer heralded Swiss held his courage and defended back to get his first match point, and claim a first win over his compatriot in three meetings.
Wawrinka said, “It was not such a trouble free match but of course I am pretty happy to have achieved it. I am a little bit uncomfortable to celebrate it.”
The world number 108 stormed into a twice smash lead but unsuccessful to serve out at the first chance and paid the price. Murray rose in confidence, spinning off five games in a row to draw level before Fognini gathered himself adequately to force a tie break.
And it demonstrated to be an amazing climax to the set as both players frequently took, and threw away, the initiative.
The couple had seen three set points apiece go begging before Murray lastly changed the fourth when the Italian missed a break, and the rain that followed gave Fognini a welcome opportunity to regroup before the match resumes on Friday.