Fabio Fognini has won his first title of the season after defeating German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 6-4, 7-5, in the final of the Gstaad Open in Switzerland.
The Italian Fifth seed entered the final as the favourite against his inexperienced opponent. Hanfmann, who is yet to play in the main draw at a grand slam event, was contesting his first ATP final at the age of 25.
Despite the difference in experience between the two men, Fognini was tested throughout the match. Racing out to a 5-1 lead at the start of the match, the Italian was pegged back to 5-4 by his resilient rival. Hanfmann saved four match points in the semifinals to reach Sunday’s final. Still the comeback failed to derail Fognini, who close the first set out with a love service game.
The second set was a cat and mouse chase with Fognini being matched by his opponent for ten consecutive games until he managed to secure a breakthrough. Illustrating the difference in experience between the two, a backhand cross-court winner rewarded Fognini the break for a set and 6-5 lead. Dashing the dream of the German underdog. Hoffmann kept fighting, but it wasn’t good enough after a backhand error on match point seal the title for Fognini.
“It was a complicated week for me. I had a lot of difficulty to win my matches, especially the first one. Not only today, I played against really good opposition.” Fognini said about his week at the Swiss tournament.
“Yannik is a great player I have to admit, a really good player.” He added.
The win means Fognini will rise back into the world’s top-30. Overall, it is his fifth ATP trophy and first since the 2016 Umag Open. Against Hoffmann he produced a total of 21 winners against 12 unforced errors.
“It was a really tough week for me since the beginning of the first match. I was really tight. I finished my first match and said to my team if I play like this I will go home tomorrow. Now I am here with the trophy, that’s incredible, the beauty of our sport.” Said the Italian.
Hanfmann relishes week in Switzerland
Disappointed at falling at the final hurdle, qualifier Hanfmann has hailed his run at the tournament. During what was an emotional after-match speech, he briefly spoke about his journey in the sport. Unlike other players on the tour, Hanfmann opted to study and play college tennis before embarking upon the professional tour. He paid tribute to the support he has received from his parents.
“I used to play college tennis, but the atmosphere here, especially for me was very special, unique.” He said.
“I’m so thankful for what my dad has done for me. A big thank you for all the support I have received, especially from my parents.”
Hanfmann, who was born with a hearing impediment, will rise to a ranking high of roughly 125th in the world.
