Fognini, Lajovic make breakthroughs with semifinal wins at ATP Monte-Carlo Masters

Source: Xinhua| 2019-04-21 07:11:00|Editor: Shi Yinglun
Video PlayerClose

PARIS, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Fabio Fognini of Italy shocked 11-time champion Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-2 in the semifinals of the ATP Monte-Carlo Masters, reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 final.

Fognini will meet first-time tour-level finalist Dusan Lajovic for the trophy on Sunday, as the Serbian defeated 10th-seeded Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-1.

Fognini claimed 11 of 14 games from 3-1 down in the first set to go through after one hour and 36 minutes. His fourth victory in 15 encounters against the world No. 2 ends a 18-match and 25-set winning streak for Nadal in the tournament.

"I knew that I had nothing to lose, because especially when you go with him (Nadal) on clay, it's always really tough," said Fognini.

"I played a very bad game against a good player, so in that situation, you have to lose," Nadal pointed out.

Lajovic won 12 of the final 13 games to reach the final. Ranked 48th, he is the lowest-ranked Monte-Carlo finalist since No. 53 Hicham Arazi in 2001.

"Still a little bit not aware of the achievement, but I'm under the impression of the match," commented Lajovic.

"Lajovic played really good and really solid during the whole week. He has nothing to lose. I have nothing to lose. We start 50-50," said Fognini.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001379941211