The Baseline Top 5: Fognini's career highlights

Fabio Fognini’s, shall we say, “outspokeness” has gotten him into some trouble over the years. However, winning a Masters 1000 title left him at a near-loss for words.

Struggling all year, the Italian just claimed the biggest singles title of his career in Monte Carlo, defeating Dusan Lajovic in the final. All week, Fognini showed his competitive spirit and flashes of brilliance to pick up his ninth singles victory and eighth on clay.

It’s the latest highlight in a career full of them. Here’s some more examples of the enigmatic Italian’s achievements over the years.

1

Two on the Trot

After several years on tour, Fognini won his first title in 2013 in Stuttgart, defeating local favorite Philipp Kohlschreiber in the final. That taste of winning carried him through to the next week as he picked up his second title in a row in Hamburg, topping Federico Delbonis at the 500-level event.

2

A Grand Achievement

Back in 2015, Fognini and his countryman Simone Bolelli became the first Italian men’s duo to win a Grand Slam men’s doubles title in the Open Era when they captured the Australian Open over Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

3

The Davis Cup Closer

Fognini’s been involved in multiple epic matches over the course of his career in Davis Cup. One of his most dramatic rubbers came in 2017, when he rallied from two sets down against the host Argentina’s Guido Pella to send Italy through to the quarterfinals.

4

Three the Hard Way

Last year, Fognini set a career mark for titles won in a season with three, which included his first hard-court triumph in Los Cabos.

5

Rarefied Air

In the semifinals at Monte Carlo this year, Fognini topped the 11-time champion Rafael Nadal, becoming only the fourth player to defeat the Spaniard on clay three or more times.

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