27th seed, Fabio Fognini was stunned by Federico Delbonis in straight sets in the third round of French Open 2021. Delbonis will now play his first fourth-round match at a Grand Slam and has now officially entered the second week of Roland Garros.

Fabio Fognini struggles in the first set against Federico Delbonis

Fognini started off brightly and played with intent early on. But after 1-1, Fognini cracked and gave a bad break to Delbonis. Fognini was very inconsistent, as he was gifting points to the Argentine. Delbonis rarely had to exert himself to get points as he led, 3-1.

Fognini looked decent at times but while serving at 3-1, he was really frustrated and gave another break and trailed 4-1. Debonis was soon 5-1 up as Fognini was disheartened. Serving for the set at 5-2, Delbonis choked a bit and Fognini broke back. However, Delbonis converted his chances the second time he served and took the set, 6-4.

Delbonis strikes again against Fognini at French Open 2021

The second set started with a mammoth 11-minute service game from Fognini. Both the players were feisty and Delbonis triumphed in the game, converting his third break point. But all was not smooth sailing for Delbonis as Fognini came fighting back. However, Delbonis had enough to create a lead of 3-1.

Fognini’s challenge was fading, as his backhand was not working. He was broken for the second time in the set and Delbonis led 4-1. Again Fognini led the charts in winners and unforced errors. At 5-1, Fognini was wasteful as he was broken yet again, and the Argentine took the second set, 6-1. The play was halted for a while after the second set because of rain.

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Federico Delbonis defeats Fabio Fognini

Fognini’s returns against Delbonis’ serve were unsatisfactory. The Argentine already had a high first-serve percentage and Fognini’s bad returns helped him. Fognini was broken in his first service game itself because of a few backhand errors. Delbonis soon took a 3-0 lead, and challenged for a 4-0 lead however, Fognini just hung on.

Fognini was getting some success from his forehand. But Delbonis was perfect in the set. Delbonis saw his first match point on Fognini’s serve at 5-2, but Fognini saved that and held his serve. Fognini’s was leaking points in crucial rallies and he wasn’t returning well from that side. While serving for the match, Delbonis had a few tense moments. But his attack finally paid off as he converted his third match point to win the tie – 6-4, 6-1, 6-3.