Fabio Fognini vows to upset Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros

ATP Tour
Fabio Fognini says he is ready to repeat his Monte-Carlo masterpiece and beat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to the French Open title.

Fabio Fognini says he is ready to repeat his Monte-Carlo masterpiece and beat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to the French Open title.

The Italian caused a stir when he defeated Nadal in the semi-finals before taking the title against Dusan Lajovic, but he says he’s not ready to stop there in his fresh quest for honours.

“Regarding Roland Garros, there are players like Nadal and Djokovic who will play to enter the sports legend,” Fognini said.

“But I know what I can do when I’m good on the pitch like in Monte Carlo.”

Reflecting on his maiden masters-level title win, Fognini was understandably still beaming.

However, although he does admit he felt ‘sorry’ for Nadal, he believes the Spaniard should have given him more credit.

“Obviously last week [in Monte-Carlo] was incredible,” he said.

“It was unthinkable at the beginning of the week to predict that it would end this way, especially in light of the fact that I came from a difficult period.

“I didn’t feel good on the court, and when difficult situations arose I couldn’t get out.

“In Monte Carlo I was lucky at first, but then I started playing very well.

“Compared to the game against Rafa, I learned that he said he played very badly.

“I’m sorry for him, but ultimately it’s his problem. Obviously he is a sports legend and has won millions of games on clay, but that day I played better and he was worse, so I deserved to win.”

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