Defending champion Murray was eliminated in the opening match of the Rome Masters.

The world number one stopped in the second round, losing easily to Fabio Fognini with a score of 6-2, 6-4.

Fognini will forever remember the match on centre court at the Foro Italico, where he played one of the best matches of his career to defeat reigning Rome Masters champion, world number one Andy Murray.

Fognini stunned Murray with two early breaks, unable to recover. In the end, the 29-year-old had 23 forehand winners, easily defeating Murray 6-2, 6-4.

Fognini became the first Italian to defeat the world number one since 2007. Since Filippo Volandri beat Roger Federer 10 years ago, Italian players have lost all 22 encounters with ATP number one players.

Fognini played the best match of his career when he defeated Murray in straight sets. Photo: Reuters.

"He attacked early, completely dominated the game," said a disappointed Murray. "Usually throughout a match you hope your opponent will make a few mistakes, but that didn't happen today."

Murray, who did not drop a set at last year's Rome Masters, became the first defending champion to be eliminated in his opening match in 10 years.

The loss on 16 May continued Murray’s poor form since returning from an elbow injury. The British player won just one title in Dubai in February, then struggled in the clay season.

Murray is having a tough time after returning from an elbow injury. Photo: Reuters.

Murray was knocked out in the third round of Monte Carlo, reached the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open, was knocked out in the third round of the Madrid Open and now lost in the second round in Rome.This form will certainly have a significant impact on his confidence heading into the French Open, the Grand Slam tournament taking place later this month.

According to VNE