WATCH: When Fabio Fognini Destroyed Rafael Nadal at the Monte-Carlo Masters
Follow Us
Rafael Nadal has dominated on the clay-court like no other player in the history of the sport. It takes a herculean task for any opponent to get the better of Nadal on clay. However, the entire tennis world was shaken when Fabio Fognini defeated Nadal in straight sets at the 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters.
Nadal was aiming to reach his 13th finals at Monte-Carlo as he met Fognini in the semifinals. However, the flamboyant Italian, who was struggling with his form, surprised the ‘King of Clay’ with his unpredictable performance. Fognini defeated Nadal 6-4, 6-2 in just one hour and 36 minutes to reach his maiden ATP Masters 1000 finals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fognini claimed 11 of 14 games after being 1-3 down in the first set to stun the 11-time champion. Nadal’s loss ended his 18-match and 25-set winning streak on his favorite surface. This was Fognini’s fourth victory in 15 encounters against Nadal.
“One of the worst matches on Clay in 14 years” – Rafael Nadal
Fognini entered the tournament with a five-match losing streak on clay. Moreover, he started the event with a substandard performance in the first round against Andrey Rublev.
However, he denied his sixth straight defeat on the surface after a set and break down as he won the first round in a three-setter. Subsequently, Fognini took everyone by surprise as he went on to clinch his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fognini certainly upped his level against Nadal. He was successful in taking the time away from the Mallorcan at every opportunity. He took advantage of almost every short balls from Nadal and pushed him on the back foot, forcing him to make more errors.
It was unquestionably one of the most remarkable victories of Fabio’s career. On the other band, Nadal described his loss as “one of the worst matches on clay in 14 years.”
Formidable tennis from start to finish 😯
The day @fabiofogna stunned Nadal at the @ROLEXMCMASTERS. pic.twitter.com/qk4o33sgRa
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 14, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With this victory, Fognini became the second player after Novak Djokovic to defeat Nadal at the Monte-Carlo Masters after the quarterfinals. It was also the first time in the history of Monte-Carlo Masters when both the finalist reached the championship match for the first time.