Fognini Moves Closer To Italian History In Chengdu
Fognini Moves Closer To Italian History In Chengdu
Fabio Fognini moved one win from Italian history at the Chengdu Open, beating #NextGenATP American Taylor Fritz 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-3 on Saturday.
The World No. 13, winner of three tour-level crowns this season, booked his place in his fourth final of the season after one hour and 49 minutes, winning 61 per cent of second-serve return points en route to victory. If Fognini adds the Chengdu trophy to his titles in Sao Paulo, Bastad and Los Cabos, the 31-year-old will become the first Italian on record to win four tour-level titles in one season.
“I am happy because it was a great match,” said Fognini. “I returned really well and was moving better and better. I am happy to be in the final here in Chengdu.”
With his 40th tour-level win of the season (40-18), Fognini, improves to 4-3 in semi-finals this year. Fognini owns an 8-9 record in championship matches at tour-level, but has won each of his three final appearances this season.
“It is my best year so far. I am really happy that the first time I visit Chengdu, I am in my first final,” said Fognini.
Fritz was bidding to reach his second ATP World Tour final (also 2016 Memphis) as he bids to qualify for November’s Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan. The 21-year-old owns 19 wins from 33 tour-level matches this season.
Top-seeded Fognini will face Bernard Tomic in Sunday’s final. The 25-year-old Australian defeated Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-4 to reach his first ATP World Tour final since 2016 Acapulco. Tomic fired 12 aces and saved all three break points he faced to overcome the Millennium Estoril Open champion after 75 minutes.
World No. 123 Tomic, who recently lifted an ATP Challenger Tour title in Mallorca, will aim to capture his first tour-level trophy since 2015 Bogota. Fognini owns a 2-1 FedEx ATP Head2Head record against Tomic.
Did You Know?
Last week, Fognini ended a two-year doubles title drought in St. Petersburg. Fognini, on his team debut alongside countryman Matteo Berrettini, defeated defending champions Roman Jebavy and Matwe Middelkoop in the championship match.