ATP Masters Rome: The next cauldron awaits Rune against Fognini
Fabio Fognini has twice delighted the fans at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in om 2023. On Sunday we're up against youngster Holger Rune .
by Jens Huiber
last edit:
May 12, 2023, 11:03 pm
If Holger Rune thought that the encounters with Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo and with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Madrid were away games in front of an unfriendly audience, then he will probably get to know a completely different level of escalation on Sunday. Because then it's in the Foro Italico against Fabio Fognini. And judging by the popularity. which the local hero has enjoyed in his two previous appearances in Rome 2023, the match against Rune should bring about an international atmosphere.
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And with what? Rightly! Because Fognini played convincingly against both Andy Murray and Miomir Kecmanovic, supported by his wife Flavia Pennetta and son Federico. The fact that Fabio is never without drama could be seen on Friday in the packed Pietrangelo: Fognini was the better man in every phase of the match against Kecmanovic, but didn't manage to take the serve from the Serb in the second set. In the tie-break, Fognini then led 6: 3, leaving three match points unused. Only to then exploit the fourth with a ball to the line.
Rune still with Mouratoglou
At Holger Rune's first appearance in Rome, things were much more tranquil. The course of the match against Arthur Fils was too clear. Although the French can easily keep up with the Danes in terms of temperament. Rune won 6:3 and 6:3, surprisingly still in front of Patrick Mouratoglou, who Rune actually said goodbye to before the tournament in Monte Carlo.
But maybe it's a good thing that the star coach will prepare Rune for the meeting with Fognini. The now 20-year-old seems to have calmed down a little towards his mother after freaking out at the French Open last year. Which doesn't protect Holger Rune from occasionally exciting actions, as in Madrid, when he simply wiped away a controversial ball imprint after a miserable discussion between his opponent and the chair umpire.
That was well received by the Spanish fans. The Italians would certainly go a step further on Sunday.
Here the single tableau in Rome
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