British number one Andy Murray has fallen at the first hurdle in the Rome Masters due to a hip injury, resulting in Marcel Granollers's progression into the third round.
The 26-year-old fought back after losing the opening set 6-3 to win the second set 7-6[5], but a hip complaint, which prompted him to seek treatment during the clash, forced him to retire from the match.
The Scotsman, who has been struggling with his game on clay, suffered an early blow when Granollers snatched a break of serve to give him an advantage in the opening set.
While Murray tried to impose his game on the court, Granollers looked more comfortable on the clay surface by firing powerful volleys and swift returns to take a one-set lead.
The Scotsman continued to struggle by going two breaks down, but he fought back to level the set 4-4. However, Granollers managed to regain control of the court as he broke Murray to serve for the match.
With just one game needed to secure a spot in the next round, Granollers was unable to hold as Murray broke to keep himself in the contest and force through a tie-break.
Despite winning the decider, Murray was forced to withdraw from the contest due to the earlier hip complaint.
Danielle Joynson
