RESULT: Andy Murray Loses to Fabio Fognini - 2nd Rnd - Montreal Masters 2007

As we've seen lately, Murray rarely loses to a lower ranked players so, either Fognini is a rising star, or Murray was struggling with fitness when he lost 2-6 2-6.

According to media reports, it's probably a bit of both.

Fognini - by all accounts - played well and is only nine days younger than Murray. After the match Murray said that his wrist was ok, but that his body was stiff and sore.

This is hardly unexpected after such a long absence and it appears that Murray may still be holding back on some of his forehand shots. The stats show Murray's first serve percentage only just below 60%, but Fognini converted an impressive 5 break points from 8 opportunities.

By comparison, Murray won just 1 from 6.

It's a disappointing way to go out of the come-back tournament, but better now than at the US Open. Competitive matches are a world apart from training and Murray will want a few more before the US Open begins.

Murray is currently undecided on whether to move on to the Cincinnati tournament, or stay put and do some more training.

Looking on the positive side, Murray chalked up a win on Tuesday so is definitely on the way back to his best. Also, if Murray had defeated Fognini he would have faced Federer in the next round.

The result would likely have been Murray pushing himself too hard, or suffering a crushing (and confidence-sapping) defeat followed by a roasting in the cynical press.

Not a great week then, but nothing to get in a twist over and plenty of optimism remains for the US Open.

Sources:

BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray plays down US Open chances
BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray return comes to early end