Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters—Monte Carlo, Monaco
Italian Fabio Fognini won the biggest title of his career on Sunday in Monte Carlo, Monaco, defeating inform Serbian Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4 to capture the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters.
Using his off-the-rise groundstrokes to great effect, Fognini overcame an early break lead by Lajovic before claiming the first set. After breaking serve twice in the opening set, Fognini also began the second set with a break of serve. Continuing to use the confidence that he had created throughout the week, Fognini increased his lead to 5-3 in the second set before clinching his ninth career title in one hour and 38 minutes.
Fognini, who had defeated 11-time champion Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, also rebounded from a 5-1 deficit in the third set in his opening round match against Andrey Rublev. Picking up 1000 points for his victory, Fognini will be ranked No. 12 in the world on Monday as a result of his efforts.
Lajovic, who also had a career week, defeated Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals after trailing 5-1 in the first set. The Serbian never lost a set en-route to the finals.
Lajovic, who is currently ranked No. 48 in the world, will see his ranking hit around No. 24 in the world on Monday.
