Fognini into top 20 after double triumph

 

Originally published on: 21/07/13 00:00

Seven days after winning his maiden ATP World Tour title at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart, the Italian got his hands on more silverware at the bet-at-home Open in Hamburg.

He saved three match points in the second-set tiebreak as he came from behind to beat qualifier Federico Delbonis 4-6 7-6(8) 6-2.

Fognini, who was ranked outside the world’s top 100 at the start of the year, will be bidding for a clay-court hat-trick this week as he travels to Croatia for the Vegeta Croatia Open Umag, where he is a two-time semi-finalist.

"It's an amazing week," Fognini said. "I can't believe it right now. I just feel incredible, a real good sensation. I'm very happy._ь_ьI was, I think, a little bit lucky. I was nervous. Today, I didn't play really good, but I fought hard. I think that was the key. Another trophy, that’s the important thing.”

Meanwhile, in Colombia, Ivo Karlovic enjoyed an emotional victory at the Claro Open in Bogota. After being sidelined earlier in the year with viral meningitis, Karlovic defeated home favourite Alejandro Falla 6-3 7-6(4) to land his fifth ATP title.

“Only happiness that after all these injuries and illnesses I was able to be back here,” the Croatian said.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here