Andy's Wimbledon seed threat after defeat to Fognini

ANDY MURRAY suffered a defeat to hot-tempered Fabio Fognini in the first round of the Italian Open in Rome last night.

- TED TRACEY

And the 6-4 4-6 6-4 loss deals a huge blow to the Scot's hopes of clinching a seeded spot for Wimbledon this summer.

Murray, fresh off the back of his Challenger title win, was handed a difficult draw against his old Italian foe.

Both 35, Murray and Fognini's rivalry dates back to their teenage years and their last encounter in 2019 provided plenty fireworks.

Tempers flared once again in Rome, although the anger was between Murray and umpire Mohamed Lahyani in a close first set.