Flamboyant Italian Fabio Fognini followed up his shock victory over Rafael Nadal with a 6-3 6-4 win over Serbian Dusan Lajovic to claim his maiden Masters title in Monte Carlo.
Fognini produced some brilliant tennis on Monte Carlo’s red clay to snatch his ninth ATP singles title.
The 31-year-old triumphed despite suffering from an apparent muscle problem to become the lowest seeded player to claim the title since Gustavo Kuerten in 1999
Five weeks before the French Open kicks off at Roland Garros, Fognini produced some brilliant tennis on Monte Carlo’s red clay to snatch his ninth ATP singles title.
“I was preparing for the match as best I can because he has my ex-coach (Jose Perlas) and I knew it was going to be really tough, a lot of running,” said Fognini.
“It’s an incredible achievement. I’m really, really happy.”
Lajovic, who had not lost a set this week before Sunday, did not have the weapons to counter Fognini’s tactical nous.
“It was my first time in a final, so a great experience for me,” the Serbian said.
“Today was not easy to play, with a lot of wind. But Fabio is a guy who knows how to play in these conditions. He has great hands.
“He’s moving really well. So I was feeling on the court that I had to work much harder than him to win the points. I think this was the key.”
