Verdasco eliminates Dutch and faces Murray in Paris

Paris, Oct 31, 2016 (AFP) - In search of the title at the Masters 1000 Paris to try to oust Novak Djokovic's leadership ranking, Andy Murray already know his first opponent in the tournament of the French capital, the Spanish Fernando Verdasco (46), benefited the withdrawal of Dutchman Robin Haase.

On Monday, Haase lost 6-2 3-2 when he left the game through injury.

Exempt from the first round, Murray made it clear he does not feel pressured by the challenge of finishing the year as world number one.

"I have no control over what will happen. Can I win all my games this week, more even that might not be enough," said the world number two.

To take the lead of the ranking after the Parisian tournament, Murray needs to win the tournament and hope that Djokovic does not reach the final. The runner-up may also be sufficient, provided that the Serbian is eliminated before the semifinals.

"I do not feel different from six to eight weeks ago. My goal was never to be world number one this year. I just want to finish in the best way possible to get in a position to take the lead at the start of next season," he explained British.

Djoko also will debut in the second round against the winner of the duel between the Spanish Nicolas Almagro and the Luxembourg Gilles Muller.

The Serbian came into court on Monday, in the doubles tournament, alongside compatriot Nenad Zimonjic, and was defeated by the French Adrian Mannarino and Quentin Halys, 6-3 and 6-4.

- Results Monday at the Masters 1000 Paris

- Men's Singles - Primera round:

Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) x Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) 6-2, 6-4

Jan-Lennard Struff (ALE) x Illya Marchenko (UCR) 6-1, 6-1

Steve Johnson (USA) x Guido Pella (ARG) 6-4, 7-5

Albert Ramos (ESP) x Stephane Robert (FRA) 6-1, 6-4

Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) x Benoît Paire (FRA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4)

Pablo Carreño (ESP) x Fabio Fognini (ITA) 6-3, 6-1

Joao Sousa (POR) x Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-4, 6-4

Gilles Simon (FRA) x Julien Benneteau (FRA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

Fernando Verdasco (ESP) x Robin Haase (NED) 6-2, 3-2 and abandonment.

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