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Fabio Fognini Indian Wells Masters 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments

Fabio Fognini makes history with opening round win


Former World number nine Fabio Fognini is through to the second round of the Indian Wells Masters following a hard-fought comeback win over Spaniard Pablo Andujar and the win has brought him a historic record. 

The 2019 Monte Carlo champion wrapped up the victory in two hours and six minutes, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. By claiming the opening round win against the World number 69, Fognini surpassed 1976 French Open Champion Adriano Panatta for the most wins by an Italian male in tennis history with 392.

Speaking to ATPTour.com, Fabio Fognini was proud of the record but believes there is still more success to come, ”They are just statistics, but of course I’m happy. Now they compare me to the big ones. Adriano was an idol when I was young, so I’m really happy. It’s not the end. I’ll continue fighting and let’s see what happens.”

”Probably in the past two months, especially after Australia I started enjoying a little more my tennis, even if it’s difficult traveling without my family. This job is not going to go forever, so I’m trying to enjoy my last years of competition and we’ll see. But at the moment I’m happy for sure.”

Fabio Fognini has now set up a second round showdown against 18th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili, with Fognini having beaten Basilashvili in their previous meeting in Cincinnati in 2021. Discussing his chances in the tournament, the Italian felt motivated after the comeback win, “It was not easy because the conditions were not great conditions. It’s windy, it’s cold. It changes constantly. But I’m happy the way I’m fighting and of course that at the end I won my match.”

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