Jacob Fianry became the fifth British player at the Italian Open in Rome when he defeated Fabio Fognini in the first round.
Fearnley won 6-2, 6-3, but had to look back at the play execution in each set against the determined opponent.
The 37-year-old Italian Fognini revealed that he was finally playing in this tournament in Rome.
“I think it’s a good time to say goodbye to this beautiful city, a special city,” Fognini, who first appeared at the Italian Open in 2006.
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Fearnley said he has a special share of the court with Fognini for Italy’s final match in Rome
“I’ve been here since I was a kid,” he continued. “And now I’m against it [end of my career].
“But I’m here with a smile on my face because I know I’ve had a really difficult time for 20 years in Rome. I want to enjoy my last rap.”
Fognini has won eight of nine ATP single titles with Clay, including the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters.
Ultimately, he set up a clash with another home favorite and 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berettini in the next round, which proved too strong for him.
Fearnley rose to 57 in the ATP world rankings after beating the top 20 player for the first time at the Madrid Open last month.
Image: Fearnley rose to 57 in ATP world rankings
The 23-year-old, who lost to Grigor Dimitrov in the second round in Madrid, recovered after losing his opening service game with Fonini to break three services to win the first set in 34 minutes.
Fognini also started the second set strongly, defeating Fearnley’s serve again in the opening game of the set, leading 3-1.
However, Britton returned to rewind five games in a row to seal his victory at his first match point in an hour and 21 minutes.
“It was a tough match. I really had to dig deep into both sets,” Fearnley said.
“I knew I had to go up the game to win, and I’m so happy to get the win.
“I was just telling him to stay composed,” he explained. “We were expected to get off to a slow start, so we’re happy to get through it.”
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The new Pope was announced to the Roman crowd during a pause of play in the match between Fienry and Fognini
There was a unique moment during the match when the new Pope’s choice was announced live to the stadium crowd.
“The Italian fans were amazing,” Fienly added. “It was an electrical atmosphere and it was a really great atmosphere to play.”
The other four British players from the tournament will be active on Friday, with Emma Raducanu, Jack Draper, lucky losers Cameron Norley and Sonay Cartal all playing and performing live at Sky Sports Tennis.
British active on Friday
12pm – Sonay Kartal vs Linda Noskova 2pm – Emma Raducanu vs Ekaterina Alexandova 2pm – Cameron Norrie vs Daniil Medvedev 6pm – Jack Draper vs Luciano Darderi
Swiatek bounces back
Iga Swiatek bouncing off one of the worst losses of her career in a comfortable 6-1, 6-0 defeat by home player Elisabetta Cocchialetto in the second round match at the Italian Open.
Swiatek said he was dealing with “personal things” when he was beaten 6-1, 6-1 by Kokogoff in the Madrid Open semi-finals last week.
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Iga Swiatek’s highlights against Elisabetta Cocchialetto at the Italian Open
Swiatek is a three-time Italian Open champion, but has not reached the final on this year’s tour. This is the last big clay coat warm-up before the French opening that begins on May 25th. Swiatek won four of five Grand Slam titles with Roland Garros.
Sweet then faces Daniel Collins in the third round after the Americans win 6-3, 6-3 against Romanian Elena Gabriella Loose.
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Naomi Osaka’s highlights against Victoria Gorvich from the Italian Open
Naomi osaka moved forward after beating Swiss lucky loser Viktorija Golubic three sets, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1. It was Osaka’s seventh consecutive victory over Clay.
Italian World No. 5 Jasmine Paolini defeated New Zealand’s Lulu San 6-4, 6-3, then plays Tunisian Ounce Jabert, who was walked over in the third round after Czech Petra Kvitova overcomes his injuries.
Madison Keys also advanced to the final 32, earning 7-6 (4) 6-1 against France’s Valvaragraceva.
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