Rome R1 previews and predictions: Murray vs. Fognini, Munar vs. Kokkinakis

A couple of spicy first-round encounters are on the docket for Wednesday at the Rome Masters, highlighted by Andy Murray vs. Fabio Fognini. Jaume Munar and Thanasi Kokkinakis will square off for the second time in as many tournaments.

(WC) Fabio Fognini vs. Andy Murray

The clock will be turned back when Murray and Fognini face each other for the ninth time in their careers in round one of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Wednesday. They have not met since what is perhaps their most memorable encounter, a 7-6(4), 2-6, 7-6(2) thriller won by Fognini at the 2019 Shanghai Masters. That showdown is famous for for Murray telling the Italian shut up while the Scot was arguing a hindrance made by Fognini during a point. The overall head-to-head series is tied up at 4-4, with Fognini leading 2-1 on clay and both of his wins coming in Italy (one at the Rome Masters and another in the Davis Cup).

Nonetheless, Murray should like his chances of turning the tide. In addition to eight ATP-level match victories in 2023, the world No. 42 is coming off a challenger title on the red clay of Aix-en-Provence this past weekend. Fognini, on the other hand, is a horrendous 2-8 this year and has not defeated anyone ranked better than 196th. As a result, the 35-year-old is struggling down at No. 130 in the world. Fognini may be inspired by the Italian crowd to the extent that he can take a set, but it’s hard to imagine him being consistent enough to win two off a suddenly in-form Murray.

Pick: Murray in 3

Jaume Munar vs. (Q) Thanasi Kokkinakis

Amazingly enough, this is yet another first-round matchup in which one player has told the other to shut up. The Munar-Kokkinakis incident happened much more recently–in the very last tournament, in fact. Not unlike in Murray vs. Fognini, Kokkinakis was arguing with chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani at the Madrid Masters and told Munar to shut up when the Spaniard voiced his opinion. After Munar prevailed 7-6(7), 7-6(3), he told Kokkinakis, “Don’t tell me to shut up again”–to which the Aussie continuously responded, “or what?”

As for what will happen between the lines on Wednesday, Munar should have the edge once again. The world No. 75 is a superior clay-court player and slower conditions in Rome compared to Madrid will only help him against this particular opponent. On the bright side for Kokkinakis, he already has two matches under his belt in the Italian capital thanks to successful qualification. This should be another fun one, but Munar will likely advance.

Pick: Munar in 3