MONTE CARLO Principality of Monaco (AFP) – Colorful Fabio Fognini defeated Dusan Lajovic, 6-3, 6-4, to win the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday, the first Italian to triumph at the clay court showpiece in over half a century.
The 13th seed, based just 20 kilometers over the border in San Remo, followed on from compatriot 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.”
The 48th-ranked Serb Lajovic was playing in the first ATP final of his career and got to the title match without the loss of a set.
Fognini looked to be temporarily hampered as he limped momentarily after breaking Lajovic for 3-2 in the second after claiming the opening set in 44 minutes.
