A straightforward opening round victory for Andy Murray against Rome semi-finalist Gael Monfils. Watched by mother Judy looking sophisticated in posh spectacles, fashionable tracksuit top and jeans, Andy's controlled performance was too much for a tired Monfils in a match of long rallies and unforced errors.

Down 0-40 at 1-1 Monfils found two big serves but was unfortunate to see a net-cord take the ball wide for the first break of the match. A lob just long after a clever drop shot allowed Monfils to break back as Andy's serve failed him from 30-0. A desperately poor game from Gael followed as Andy broke to love to lead 3-2, held comfortably, then produced two inspired running passing shots and an incredible winner returning a smash as he broke again for 5-2.

What should have been a comfortable set became a real struggle as Monfils broke then saved four set points on his own serve with aggressive serving and huge forehands to win each point before Andy even had a chance to get into the rally. Serving at 5-4 Andy finally found enough first serves to take a patchy first set on his sixth set point.

During a long opening game to the second set Monfils served and volleyed successfully to save break point, the court surface crumbled as Andy ran for a drop shot on his second opportunity to break, then after a fierce backhand down the line created a third chance, Monfils' error finally decided the game.

From then on Monfils adopted a more aggressive approach, dominating many of the points as he increased the pace on his forehand. Sadly for him the accuracy was missing as unforced errors long, wide and into the net, gifted Murray a 5-0 lead. Serving for the match Andy saw Monfils punish a couple of second serves on match point before errors from Murray allowed Gael to break. At deuce the following game Monfils crashed one forehand long then another into the net to end a match of little quality. The final score 6-4 6-1.

While both players hinted at their potential, the slow playing conditions, the early morning start, the dreadful state of the court and the lack of atmosphere contributed to a disappointing contest. Murray dictated play for much of the first set, using the forehand to good effect moving Monfils around the court. Drop shots created numerous opportunities to finish rallies but Andy's touch deserted him as lobs and soft passing shots missed or were volleyed for winners. Strangely, Andy seemed reluctant to employ his trademark backhand down the line and while his serve was improved from the Volandri match it was patchy at best.

In the head to head Monfils appeared to possess the bigger weapons but lacked the consistency required to take advantage. At the net he impressed with solid volleying and good movement. His speed around the court allowed him to reach every drop shot Murray attempted though that particular battle ended even overall. And his forehand, when it went in, looked a special shot. Andy made use of his variety, deploying the slice backhand on occasion to deny Monfils pace, and his tactical play was generally excellent though the execution of the final shot was at times disappointing.

The second set was all about Monfils. Speaking afterwards Andy explained how Monfils tends to play cautiously when the score is level but will take more risks when behind. With the wind increasing as the match progressed Andy decided to play safety first tennis; kicking in his first serve and getting the ball back in play until Gael struck yet another forehand long. As a tactic it worked against this opponent but it is hard to imagine other players being quite so generous.

So without playing his best Andy did enough to win. On the positive side his play was well suited to the conditions and the opponent. Looking ahead to the next round he may need to raise his game if he is to progress further.