Rome's red clay feels like 'paradise' to Djokovic

ROME (AP) - The red clay courts of the Italian Open "seem like paradise'' to Novak Djokovic after a week on the experimental blue surface in Madrid.

The top-ranked Serb was one of several top players who were highly critical of the blue clay tested at the Madrid Open, especially after Djokovic lost to fellow Serb Janko Tipsarevic in the quarterfinals.

Djokovic says that in Rome "you can actually be on the ball and slide well, where there you were slipping and falling down.''

Meanwhile, fourth-ranked Andy Murray is back on tour and feels healthy again after skipping Madrid with a back injury.

First-round play at the Foro Italico began Sunday with former French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero beating Kevin Anderson of South Africa 6-4, 7-5.