Murray fails to make most of Pole position.

AN injured Andy Murray again failed to put down a marker ahead of the French Open, losing 2-6 6-7 (5-7) to Stanislas Wawrinka in the second round of the Rome Masters.

The Scot failed to hit an ace throughout the entire match and when he needed a big serve most he could not find one, and was forced to try to out-play Wawrinka with his groundstrokes.

Murray received treatment on an apparent groin problem in the first set and struggled with his mobility throughout, but will nevertheless rue the chance to get more practice on clay before Roland Garros.

It was a good opportunity for the British number one to make the latter stages of the tournament after Rafael Nadal, his likely third round opponent, suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Juan Carlos Ferrero earlier in the day.

Afterwards, Murray insisted that injury had played no part in his defeat.

"I didn't feel that great first set, my legs were a bit heavy, but after that it was fine," he said. "I didn't feel that great, that's all.

"I saw the physio and the doctor and just got some hot cream. The doctor gave me a vitamin tablet or something, I don't know exactly what it was, and I felt fine."

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Publication:	South Wales Echo (Cardiff, Wales)
Date:	May 8, 2008
Words:	213
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