Murray to face Wawrinka in Rome
Murray beat Wawrinka in Doha and Marseille this year
The British number one, who came through a fractious encounter with Juan Martin del Potro on Monday, has beaten Wawrinka twice already this year.
However, the Swiss favours clay, won their first two meetings, and is ranked just six places below Murray at 24.
The second-round match is due on court at around 1600 BST.
“He’s one of my best friends on the tour,” said Murray. “I was going to play doubles with him this week.
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“I lost against him a couple times when I was younger, and then I beat him a couple times this year. Always been tough matches.
“He played very well in Barcelona last week. It’s going to be a difficult match.
“He’s a strong guy and hits the ball hard on both wings and serves well, so I’m going to have to change my tactics a little bit and think a little bit clearer out there if I’m going to come through that one.”
Nadal faces Juan Carlos Ferrero on Wednesday, while third seed Novak Djokovic opens the action against Steve Darcis.