Murray magnanimous in defeat

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Ranked fourth in the world, Murray travelled to Rome looking to take a step forward in his clay-court career but instead went out in the second round against the Argentinian, 6-1 3-6 5-7.

"To be fair Monaco started playing much better," Murray said. "He made lots of mistakes in the first set."

He added: "The court was very damp and heavy early in the match and in the end it was dry and quite slippery which made it a faster surface.

"He was able to dictate more of the points in the dried-out conditions."

The early exit means Murray has yet to advance beyond the second round in Rome after four attempts.

And this season he does not have the consolation of knowing that at least he won a match because the Scot received a first-round bye.

Nevertheless, Monaco assured everyone after the match that the 21-year-old Murray is no doubt one of the game's top players.

"Murray is still one of the best," he said.

"He has proved it throughout the year. He did very well in Monte Carlo. He is one of the most complete players on the circuit. He is adapting well to clay and he is a very tough opponent."