Flamboyant Italian Fabio Fognini followed up his shock victory over Rafael Nadal with a 6-3, 6-4 final win over Serbian Dusan Lajovic to claim his maiden Masters title in Monte Carlo on Sunday.

The 31-year-old triumphed despite suffering from an apparent muscle problem to became the lowest seeded player, at 13, to claim the title since Gustavo Kuerten in 1999.

Five weeks before the French Open kicks off at Roland Garros, Fognini produced some brilliant tennis on Monte Carlo's red clay to snatch his ninth ATP singles title.

"I was preparing for the match as best I can because he has my ex-coach (Jose Perlas) and I knew it was going to be really tough, a lot of running," said Fognini. "It's an incredible achievement. I’m really, really happy."

Lajovic, who had not lost a set this week before Sunday, did not have the weapons to counter Fognini's tactical nous.

"It was my first time in a final, so a great experience for me," the Serbian said.

"Today was not easy to play, with a lot of wind. But Fabio is a guy who knows how to play in these conditions. He has great hands.

"He's moving really well. So I was feeling on the court that I had to work much harder than him to win the points. I think this was the key."

Fognini made several unforced errors early on, allowing Lajovic to break in the third game. But the Serbian failed to capitalise as he dropped serve in the next game.

Fognini won three games in a row and held off Lajovic to seal the opening set with a stunning backhand winner down the line.

It was the first set Lajovic conceded in the tournament and the Serbian appeared quite shocked, dropping serve in the first game of the second set.

After a brief fightback Lajovic, who was also looking to win his first Masters title, was overwhelmed again and Fognini again broke to move 3-2 up.

In the following game, the Italian had his right leg strapped by the trainer and Lajovic tried to make the rallies longer.

But Fognini cleverly ended some of them with dropshots as he held serve for 4-2.

He ended the contest on his second match point.

Flamboyant Italian Fabio Fognini followed up his shock victory over Rafael Nadal with a 6-3, 6-4 final win over Serbian Dusan Lajovic to claim his maiden Masters title in Monte Carlo on Sunday.

Flamboyant Italian Fabio Fognini followed up his shock victory over Rafael Nadal with a 6-3, 6-4 final win over Serbian Dusan Lajovic to claim his maiden Masters title in Monte Carlo on Sunday. The 31-year-old triumphed despite suffering from an apparent muscle problem to became the lowest seeded player, at 13, to claim the title since Gustavo Kuerten in 1999. Five weeks before the French Open kicks off at Roland Garros, Fognini produced some brilliant tennis on Monte Carlo's red clay to snatch his ninth ATP singles title. "I was preparing for the match as best I can because he has my ex-coach (Jose Perlas) and I knew it was going to be really tough, a lot of running," said Fognini. "It's an incredible achievement. I’m really, really happy." Lajovic, who had not lost a set this week before Sunday, did not have the weapons to counter Fognini's tactical nous. "It was my first time in a final, so a great experience for me," the Serbian said. "Today was not easy to play, with a lot of wind. But Fabio is a guy who knows how to play in these conditions. He has great hands. "He's moving really well. So I was feeling on the court that I had to work much harder than him to win the points. I think this was the key." Fognini made several unforced errors early on, allowing Lajovic to break in the third game. But the Serbian failed to capitalise as he dropped serve in the next game. Fognini won three games in a row and held off Lajovic to seal the opening set with a stunning backhand winner down the line. It was the first set Lajovic conceded in the tournament and the Serbian appeared quite shocked, dropping serve in the first game of the second set. After a brief fightback Lajovic, who was also looking to win his first Masters title, was overwhelmed again and Fognini again broke to move 3-2 up. In the following game, the Italian had his right leg strapped by the trainer and Lajovic tried to make the rallies longer. But Fognini cleverly ended some of them with dropshots as he held serve for 4-2. He ended the contest on his second match point.

Fabio Fognini lands maiden Masters title in Monte Carlo

Former world number one Rafael Nadal looked&nbsp;frustrated as his&nbsp;bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title ended.&nbsp;

He was unhappy in the aftermath of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-crashes-out-to-fognini-in-monte-carlo-semi-finals-212128">surprise defeat to Fabio Fognini</a> in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.&nbsp;

He said that the loss as 'one of the worst matches' he'd played on clay in 14 years.&nbsp;

In the post-match presentation, Rafa said, "Was a bad feeling. Was a tough day and was a difficult opponent. I am coming from low moments in terms of injuries, and in terms of the mental side have been not easy to accept all the things that have been going on during the last times."

He added, "So just was this kind of day that everything was wrong. I probably played one of the worst matches on clay in 14 years."

Fognini won 6-4, 6-2 to bring to an end Nadal's 18-match winning run in Monte Carlo.

After losing the first set 6-4, Nadal then lost the first five games of the second set with Fognini easing through to the final against another surprise name, Dusan Lajovic of Serbia.

The last man to take a set off Nadal in Monte Carlo was Britain's Kyle Edmund in 2017.

"So when that happens, you have to lose. And today I deserve to lose because I played against a player that was better than me today," he concluded. &nbsp;

Former world number one Rafael Nadal looked frustrated as his bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title ended. He was unhappy in the aftermath of his surprise defeat to Fabio Fognini in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Former world number one Rafael Nadal looked frustrated as his bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title ended. He was unhappy in the aftermath of his surprise defeat to Fabio Fognini in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters. He said that the loss as 'one of the worst matches' he'd played on clay in 14 years. In the post-match presentation, Rafa said, "Was a bad feeling. Was a tough day and was a difficult opponent. I am coming from low moments in terms of injuries, and in terms of the mental side have been not easy to accept all the things that have been going on during the last times." He added, "So just was this kind of day that everything was wrong. I probably played one of the worst matches on clay in 14 years." Fognini won 6-4, 6-2 to bring to an end Nadal's 18-match winning run in Monte Carlo. After losing the first set 6-4, Nadal then lost the first five games of the second set with Fognini easing through to the final against another surprise name, Dusan Lajovic of Serbia. The last man to take a set off Nadal in Monte Carlo was Britain's Kyle Edmund in 2017. "So when that happens, you have to lose. And today I deserve to lose because I played against a player that was better than me today," he concluded.

'Played one of the worst matches on clay in 14 years': Rafael Nadal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Rafael+Nadal">Rafael Nadal</a> crashed to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals on Saturday, the Spanish clay court king swept aside 6-4, 6-2, to end his bid for a 12th title.

The shock result leaves Italian 13th seed Fognini facing unseeded Serb Dusan Lajovic in Sunday's unscripted final.

Fognini, who beat Nadal three times all on clay in 2015, stopped a 25-set win streak in the principality for the world number two.

The last man to take a set off Nadal in Monte Carlo was Britain's Kyle Edmund in 2017.

Fognini ended Nadal's Monte Carlo reign on the fifth match point.

Rafael Nadal crashed to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals on Saturday, the Spanish clay court king swept aside 6-4, 6-2, to end his bid for a 12th title.

Rafael Nadal crashed to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals on Saturday, the Spanish clay court king swept aside 6-4, 6-2, to end his bid for a 12th title. The shock result leaves Italian 13th seed Fognini facing unseeded Serb Dusan Lajovic in Sunday's unscripted final. Fognini, who beat Nadal three times all on clay in 2015, stopped a 25-set win streak in the principality for the world number two. The last man to take a set off Nadal in Monte Carlo was Britain's Kyle Edmund in 2017. Fognini ended Nadal's Monte Carlo reign on the fifth match point.

Rafael Nadal crashes out to Fognini in Monte Carlo semi-finals

World number one Novak Djokovic cruised past American Taylor Fritz in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday.

In windy conditions, the 31-year-old Serbian defeated Fritz 6-3 6-0 in one hour and eight minutes.

Djokovic will next play tenth seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia. The 23-year-old defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-2 1-6 6-4 to reach his first ATP 1000 Masters quarter-final.

World number one Novak Djokovic cruised past American Taylor Fritz in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday. In windy conditions, the 31-year-old Serbian defeated Fritz 6-3 6-0 in one hour and eight minutes.

World number one Novak Djokovic cruised past American Taylor Fritz in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday. In windy conditions, the 31-year-old Serbian defeated Fritz 6-3 6-0 in one hour and eight minutes. Djokovic will next play tenth seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia. The 23-year-old defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-2 1-6 6-4 to reach his first ATP 1000 Masters quarter-final.

Novak Djokovic cruises into Monte Carlo quarter-finals, Tsitsipas out

Rafa Nadal once again proved his clay court dominance when he swept aside fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday (April 17).

Nadal claimed five break points in the match and broke serve five times on his way to beating Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-1.

The 11-time champion in Monte Carlo showed the kind of form that means any opponent is going to have to play exceptionally well to stop him winning a 12th title at the upcoming French in May.

Nadal moved into the last 16 of the Masters where he will face Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.

Germany's Alexander Zverev was also dominant in his victory over fellow up-and-comer, 18-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime, beating the Canadian 6-1, 6-4.

21-year-old Zverev raced through the first set, but Auger-Aliassime won impressive points in the second that suggested this could be a rivalry tennis fans might get used to in the coming years.

Zverev won six break points in the match and made consistent returns of serve, keeping the pressure on Auger-Aliassime.

The German will now face Italy's Fabio Fognini in the round of 16 on Thursday (April 18).

Fifth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan was beaten by Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-5 6-4 in a hard fought match.

The 28-year-old Frenchman won 81 percent of points on his first serve and broke twice, while Nishikori struggled to find consistency on his opening serve.

Herbert will take on Borna Coric of Croatia in the third round.

Rafa Nadal once again proved his clay court dominance when he swept aside fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday (April 17).

Rafa Nadal once again proved his clay court dominance when he swept aside fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday (April 17). Nadal claimed five break points in the match and broke serve five times on his way to beating Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-1. The 11-time champion in Monte Carlo showed the kind of form that means any opponent is going to have to play exceptionally well to stop him winning a 12th title at the upcoming French in May. Nadal moved into the last 16 of the Masters where he will face Grigor Dimitrov in the third round. Germany's Alexander Zverev was also dominant in his victory over fellow up-and-comer, 18-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime, beating the Canadian 6-1, 6-4. 21-year-old Zverev raced through the first set, but Auger-Aliassime won impressive points in the second that suggested this could be a rivalry tennis fans might get used to in the coming years. Zverev won six break points in the match and made consistent returns of serve, keeping the pressure on Auger-Aliassime. The German will now face Italy's Fabio Fognini in the round of 16 on Thursday (April 18). Fifth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan was beaten by Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-5 6-4 in a hard fought match. The 28-year-old Frenchman won 81 percent of points on his first serve and broke twice, while Nishikori struggled to find consistency on his opening serve. Herbert will take on Borna Coric of Croatia in the third round.

Nadal and Zverev dominate in Monte Carlo, Nishikori out

Spanish Tennis player Rafael Nadal claimed another Monte Carlo Masters title as he defeated Kei Nishikori in Sunday's final.

With this win, he retained the world number one ranking.

The result is significant because Nadal will retain his status as world No 1. Roger Federer would have taken over if Nadal failed to win in Monaco.

Nadal beat Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-2 in the final to secure a remarkable 11th championship in 14 years, and a third in a row.

His 31st Masters title is also an outright record, pulling him out of a tie with Novak Djokovic. 
&nbsp

With this win, he retained the world number one ranking.

Spanish Tennis player Rafael Nadal claimed another Monte Carlo Masters title as he defeated Kei Nishikori in Sunday's final. With this win, he retained the world number one ranking. The result is significant because Nadal will retain his status as world No 1. Roger Federer would have taken over if Nadal failed to win in Monaco. Nadal beat Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-2 in the final to secure a remarkable 11th championship in 14 years, and a third in a row. His 31st Masters title is also an outright record, pulling him out of a tie with Novak Djokovic.

Monte Carlo Masters: Rafael Nadal wins for 3rd consecutive year

Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna and his French partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin will aim to book their place in the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters when they head into their last-four clash of the men`s doubles event here on Saturday.

The Indo-French duo will cross swords with third-seed pair of Austria`s Oliver Marach and Croatia`s Mate Pavic for a place in the summit showdown.Yesterday, Bopanna and Roger-Vaselli eased past the Colombian team of Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah, who reached the Australian Open final this year, 6-4, 6-4 in a one-sided quarter-final clash.

Earlier, the unseeded Indo-French duo had to work hard as they bounced back from a set down and saved three match points to clinch a 3-6, 6-4, 11-9 over two-time Grand Slam champions Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares in one hour and 22 minutes and seal a last-eight spot.

In another semi-finals clash of Monte Carlo, the fourth-seeded Bryan brothers will also take on Italian team of Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini for a place in the finals.

The two head into their last-four clash of the men`s doubles event today

Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna and his French partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin will aim to book their place in the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters when they head into their last-four clash of the men`s doubles event here on Saturday. The Indo-French duo will cross swords with third-seed pair of Austria`s Oliver Marach and Croatia`s Mate Pavic for a place in the summit showdown.Yesterday, Bopanna and Roger-Vaselli eased past the Colombian team of Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah, who reached the Australian Open final this year, 6-4, 6-4 in a one-sided quarter-final clash. Earlier, the unseeded Indo-French duo had to work hard as they bounced back from a set down and saved three match points to clinch a 3-6, 6-4, 11-9 over two-time Grand Slam champions Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares in one hour and 22 minutes and seal a last-eight spot. In another semi-finals clash of Monte Carlo, the fourth-seeded Bryan brothers will also take on Italian team of Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini for a place in the finals.

Monte Carlo Masters: Bopanna,Vasselin eye final berth

World number one Rafael Nadal swept aside Grigor Dimitrov to ease into his 12th Monte Carlo Masters final with a 6-4, 6-1 victory on Saturday.

The 31-year-old, who needs to win an 11th Monaco title to retain the number one ranking ahead of Roger Federer, will face either Kei Nishikori or Alexander Zverev in Sunday`s final.

Nadal came through a tight first set but always looked too strong for Dimitrov and raced through the second in less than half an hour.

The top seed is bidding for a record-extending 31st Masters title this week, and this win saw him extend his run of consecutive sets won on clay to 34.

Nadal is playing in his first ATP tournament since pulling out of his Australian Open quarter-final against Marin Cilic in January with a hip injury, but has shown no signs of rust in the principality.

Following a 6-0, 6-2 last-eight thrashing of Dominic Thiem, Nadal has now lost only 16 games in four matches this week.

He saw a 3-0 first-set lead slip away as Dimitrov laid down the first real challenge to the Spaniard this week, only for a sloppy service game from the Bulgarian to gift the 10-time champion the opening set.

That effectively ended Dimitrov`s chances, and Nadal broke to love in the second game of the second set.

Eight straight points on his opponent`s serve saw Nadal storm towards the finishing line, and a wide Dimitrov backhand wrapped up yet another comfortable victory.

The 31-year-old will face either Kei Nishikori or Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final.

World number one Rafael Nadal swept aside Grigor Dimitrov to ease into his 12th Monte Carlo Masters final with a 6-4, 6-1 victory on Saturday. The 31-year-old, who needs to win an 11th Monaco title to retain the number one ranking ahead of Roger Federer, will face either Kei Nishikori or Alexander Zverev in Sunday`s final. Nadal came through a tight first set but always looked too strong for Dimitrov and raced through the second in less than half an hour. The top seed is bidding for a record-extending 31st Masters title this week, and this win saw him extend his run of consecutive sets won on clay to 34. Nadal is playing in his first ATP tournament since pulling out of his Australian Open quarter-final against Marin Cilic in January with a hip injury, but has shown no signs of rust in the principality. Following a 6-0, 6-2 last-eight thrashing of Dominic Thiem, Nadal has now lost only 16 games in four matches this week. He saw a 3-0 first-set lead slip away as Dimitrov laid down the first real challenge to the Spaniard this week, only for a sloppy service game from the Bulgarian to gift the 10-time champion the opening set. That effectively ended Dimitrov`s chances, and Nadal broke to love in the second game of the second set. Eight straight points on his opponent`s serve saw Nadal storm towards the finishing line, and a wide Dimitrov backhand wrapped up yet another comfortable victory.

Nadal brushes aside Dimitrov to reach 12th Monte Carlo final

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov overcame Belgium's David Goffin on Friday (April 20) in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Fifth in the world Dimitrov clinched a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory after Goffin failed to convert three set points while leading five games to one in the second set.

The Bulgarian will face defending champion Spaniard Rafael Nadal after the world number one swept past Austria's Dominic Thiem 6-0 6-2.

Dimitrov and Goffin will share the court again later in the day as the pair are due to compete in the quarter-finals of the doubles.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
They may be teaming up in doubles later today <a href="https://twitter.com/ROLEXMCMASTERS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ROLEXMCMASTERS</a>, but <a href="https://twitter.com/GrigorDimitrov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GrigorDimitrov</a> pulled off a tremendous second-set comeback to defeat David Goffin in the quarter-finals. Just how big was the comeback? ? 
 
Read More ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/naqYGSFgVS">https://t.co/naqYGSFgVS</a> <a href="https://t.co/aYfyD7SIvx">pic.twitter.com/aYfyD7SIvx</a>
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPWorldTour/status/987296055061635073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp

Dimitrov overcame David Goffin in the quarter-finals to enter the semis of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov overcame Belgium's David Goffin on Friday (April 20) in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters. Fifth in the world Dimitrov clinched a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory after Goffin failed to convert three set points while leading five games to one in the second set. The Bulgarian will face defending champion Spaniard Rafael Nadal after the world number one swept past Austria's Dominic Thiem 6-0 6-2. Dimitrov and Goffin will share the court again later in the day as the pair are due to compete in the quarter-finals of the doubles. They may be teaming up in doubles later today @ROLEXMCMASTERS, but @GrigorDimitrov pulled off a tremendous second-set comeback to defeat David Goffin in the quarter-finals. Just how big was the comeback? ? Read More ➡️ https://t.co/naqYGSFgVS pic.twitter.com/aYfyD7SIvx — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) April 20, 2018 ×

Dimitrov enters semi-finals after defeating Goffin

World number one Rafael Nadal will aim to book his place in the quarter-finals of Monte Carlo Masters when he takes on Karen Khachanov of Russia in their men's singles clash here on Thursday.

Yesterday, the 31-year-old produced a rich vein of form as he swept aside Aljaz Bedene of Slovania 6-1, 6-3 in a one-sided last-32 clash that lasted one hour and 17 minutes.

Now, he will lock horns with Russi`s Khachanov in his last-16 encounter.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion is bidding for an 11th Monte Carlo title and a record 31st Masters title.

Meanwhile, former world number one and Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic will also look to seal quarter-final spot when he squares off with Dominic Thiem of Austria.

Earlier in the last-32 clash, Djokovic showcased a spirited performance as he had swept aside Borna Coric in straight sets 6-7 (2-7), 5-7 in two hours and 15 minutes.Meanwhile, Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori and second-seed Marin Cilic of Croatia will also face Italy`s Andreas Seppi and Canadia`s Milos Raonic in their last-16 clash later today.

Nadal will aim to book his place in the quarter-finals

World number one Rafael Nadal will aim to book his place in the quarter-finals of Monte Carlo Masters when he takes on Karen Khachanov of Russia in their men's singles clash here on Thursday. Yesterday, the 31-year-old produced a rich vein of form as he swept aside Aljaz Bedene of Slovania 6-1, 6-3 in a one-sided last-32 clash that lasted one hour and 17 minutes. Now, he will lock horns with Russi`s Khachanov in his last-16 encounter. The 16-time Grand Slam champion is bidding for an 11th Monte Carlo title and a record 31st Masters title. Meanwhile, former world number one and Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic will also look to seal quarter-final spot when he squares off with Dominic Thiem of Austria. Earlier in the last-32 clash, Djokovic showcased a spirited performance as he had swept aside Borna Coric in straight sets 6-7 (2-7), 5-7 in two hours and 15 minutes.Meanwhile, Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori and second-seed Marin Cilic of Croatia will also face Italy`s Andreas Seppi and Canadia`s Milos Raonic in their last-16 clash later today.

Monte Carlo Masters: Nadal, Djokovic eye quarter-final berths

Spaniard Albert Ramos dumped world No-1&nbsp;Andy Murray out of the Monte Carlo Masters 2-6 6-2 7-5 on Thursday after firing back from 4-0 down in the final set to take his place in the quarter-finals.

Murray, who suffered an elbow injury in March and made his return from a five-week layoff on Wednesday after a first-round bye, won the opening set in 48 minutes before losing concentration.

Swiss third seed Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 French Open champion, was also sent packing when he lost to Uruguay&#39;s Pablo Cuevas 6-4 6-4 but nine-times champion Rafael Nadal crushed birthday boy Alexander Zverev for the loss of only two games.

Left-hander Ramos ranked 24th in the world and the 15th seed ripped through the second set in 36 minutes and refused to give up after the Scot had romped to a 4-0 advantage in the third with victory beckoning.

&quot;I&#39;m disappointed to lose from the position that I was in. Being 4-0 up in the third, I haven&#39;t lost many matches like that in my career,&quot; Murray told a news conference.

&quot;He obviously started playing better towards the end of the set. I still had a bunch of chances. I guess both of us did, really. I should have been able to do enough to weather that storm a little bit and finish the match off.&quot;

The Spaniard won four games in a row before Murray, his serve misfiring, applied some late pressure. But Ramos was implacable as he won the next two with back-to-back breaks and served for the match.

Murray saved one match point before hitting a return into the net to hand Ramos an impressive victory over his top-ranked opponent in the first European clay court tournament of the season.

In another match,&nbsp;Nadal dropped a set in the second round against Kyle Edmund but was ruthless as he dispatched another young gun, the 20-year-old Zverev who was reduced to trashing rackets in frustration against the Spaniard.

The nine-times French Open champion needed little more than an hour to win 6-1 6-1.

(Reuters)

Spaniard Albert Ramos played unrelenting Tennis to dislodge Andy Murray at the Monte Carlo Masters

Spaniard Albert Ramos dumped world No-1 Andy Murray out of the Monte Carlo Masters 2-6 6-2 7-5 on Thursday after firing back from 4-0 down in the final set to take his place in the quarter-finals. Murray, who suffered an elbow injury in March and made his return from a five-week layoff on Wednesday after a first-round bye, won the opening set in 48 minutes before losing concentration. Swiss third seed Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 French Open champion, was also sent packing when he lost to Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas 6-4 6-4 but nine-times champion Rafael Nadal crushed birthday boy Alexander Zverev for the loss of only two games. Left-hander Ramos ranked 24th in the world and the 15th seed ripped through the second set in 36 minutes and refused to give up after the Scot had romped to a 4-0 advantage in the third with victory beckoning. "I'm disappointed to lose from the position that I was in. Being 4-0 up in the third, I haven't lost many matches like that in my career," Murray told a news conference. "He obviously started playing better towards the end of the set. I still had a bunch of chances. I guess both of us did, really. I should have been able to do enough to weather that storm a little bit and finish the match off." The Spaniard won four games in a row before Murray, his serve misfiring, applied some late pressure. But Ramos was implacable as he won the next two with back-to-back breaks and served for the match. Murray saved one match point before hitting a return into the net to hand Ramos an impressive victory over his top-ranked opponent in the first European clay court tournament of the season. In another match, Nadal dropped a set in the second round against Kyle Edmund but was ruthless as he dispatched another young gun, the 20-year-old Zverev who was reduced to trashing rackets in frustration against the Spaniard. The nine-times French Open champion needed little more than an hour to win 6-1 6-1. (Reuters)

Monte Carlo Masters: Andy Murray, Wawrinka crash out

monte-carlo-masters

Monte Carlo Masters, News on Monte Carlo Masters, stories on Monte Carlo Masters, articles on Monte Carlo Masters, Monte Carlo Masters stories at Wion, Monte Carlo Masters news, Monte Carlo Masters latest news

monte carlo-masters