
Kyle Edmund’s hopes of reaching his maiden French Open fourth round has been dashed after Fabio Fognini battled back from two-sets down to knock him out 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, in the third round.
The Italian No.1 was tested both mentally and physically by his British rival, who displayed moments of world class play along with some sub-standard shots in what was an anything but predictable match. Eventually Fognini managed to come out on top with the help of seven aces and 41 winners. Although he also produced 60 unforced errors.
Initially, it appeared as if it would be Fognini that would move into the last 16 of the French major with ease. The experience of the 31-year-old saw him clinch the opening set after breaking Edmund two consecutive times. In what was a relatively straightforward start to their encounter on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
The roller coaster started in set two in what was a tale of two halves. Edmund regrouped in superb fashion with a 16-point winning streak to storm to a 5-2 lead in his favour. Nevertheless, the relentless Fognini roared back by retrieving both breaks to narrow the Brit’s lead to 5-4. It was at the point where the match was halted. Prior to Fognini serving to draw level, Edmund called for a medical time on his hip region. Upon resumption, Fognini’s momentum was disrupted and he dropped serve. Allowing Edmund to level at one set all.
That wasn’t the only timeout to take place. During the third frame it was Fognini’s turn to receive attention. This time the treatment was taping his left ankle. Fortunately, both players resumed without showing any issues with their movement on the court. Raising questions about the use of tactical timeouts in matches.
As exchanges of momentum continued in Paris, Edmund held his nerve to snatch the third set as his opponent appeared to be drifting away. He claimed a 5-3 lead at the expense of a Fognini double fault at the worst possible moment. Edmund then closed the third set out with the help of yet another mistake from his opponent.
Edging closer towards a place in the fourth round of the French Open for the first time, Edmund continued to fight against his hot and cold rival. Coming back from a 0-3 deficit in the fourth frame to move to three games away from the win. However, his hopes were dashed by another Fognini resurgence after he forced proceedings into a decider against his tiring opponent.
Avoiding the Scare, Fognini continued to fight for the win. Saving a duo of break points during the decider. It wasn’t until Edmund was forced to serve to stay in the match that Fognini pounced. Racing to a 40-0 lead, he converted his second match point after an Edmund backhand drifted beyond the baseline.
Fognini, who will play in the last 16 at Roland Garros for the first time since 2011, will take on either Marin Cilic or Steve Johnson next.
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