Giantkiller Fognini the master of Monte Carlo
Italy's Fabio Fognini thrilled a crowd composed mainly of his countrymen as he defeated Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4 to win the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday.
The 13th seed based just 20 kilometres over the border in San Remo, became the first from Italy to lift a trophy here in 51 years, following on from Nicola Pietrangeli, who watched his record fall from the royal box at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
Pietrangeli won the trophy in the principality in 1961, 1967 and 1968. He came to the court after the trophy ceremony to pose for pictures with his new tennis heir, who was following up his shock semi-final win over 11-time Monte Carlo champion Rafael Nadal.
"I was born nearby so this is extraordinary," Fognini, 31, said.
"I started the season rather badly, so this is unbelievable. I'm very content with this victory, especially with all of the Italians here today."
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