Jenson Brooksby claims 'net cords' aren't about luck in controversial Fognini win
ATP
American Jenson Brooksby has claimed 'net cords' aren't about luck following a controversial moment in his deciding set win over Fabio Fognini in Auckland on Monday.
The World No.48 faced a backlash from tennis fans and his beaten opponent over his sportsmanship after he failed to apologise for clipping the net on his way to winning a crucial point in his first round match.
Down a break in the final set, Brooksby had a break point at 0-2. As Fognini approached the net, a backhand from Brooksby clipped the net and flew past Fognini, giving the man from California the break back.
Words were exchanged as the players approached the net at the changeover and it was clear Italian Fognini was unhappy that his younger opponent hadn't acknowledged his stroke of good fortune in winning the point.
And, after being pressed on the incident post-match after taking the third set 6-3, 22-year-old Brooksby insisted he hadn't got lucky.
He told the Kiwi crowd:
"It's gonna happen in the heat of the battle. He (Fognini) said I should apologize for net cords, but I was taught that it's not really luck-based."- Jenson Brooksby
That sparked outrage on Twitter, with one fan question the young American's mentality.
They wrote:
"There’s something very wrong with this kid."- @TroubleFault
Another added:
"There's a politeness code in tennis and it's nice to see it respected. There's nothing wrong in a bit of luck and that's honourable to recognise it. Fognini's behaviour might be questionable at times, but he was right this once."- @PawOnMyHeart
Upon hearing Brooksby's comments, veteran of the ATP tour Fognini took to Instagram to offer his thoughts on the clash.
Under a quote of Brooksby's words, he wrote:
"So funny. Love (the) new generation"- Fabio Fognini
Brooksby will now face No.3 seed Diego Schwartzman in the round of 16 as he continues his hunt for a first ATP title.
