"Two Hotheads" Murray and Fognini to Reignite Rivalry at Italian Open
Andy Murray and Fabio Fognini will meet in the 2023 Italian Open first round this week - their first encounter since a heated exchange in 2019.
Murray and Fognini last met at the ATP Masters Shanghai Masters in China and the Italian player edged his British opponent in a fiery three-set match, with two sets decided by dramatic tie-breaks. During the encounter, the pair clashed during a changeover when Murray confronted Fognini about his outspoken approach in the contest.
Although some feuds can be forgotten and brushed aside as a temper tantrum during the heat of the match, Fognini seemed unwilling to let the confrontation go. In his biography a year after the clash, the Italian player explained how the dislike between him and Murray is a long-standing issue.
"Me and Murray never got along. We are two hotheads and we lose our cool pretty quickly. When we are on court we despise each other. He was arrogant since young age. A guy all lobs and dropshots, tricky shots designed to mock you."
As the duo prepare to meet for the first time in four years at the upcoming Italian Open, it remains to be seen whether the players have matured and will put aside their differences. In addition, the pair cannot be separated on head-to-head results as each has won four matches in eight previous meetings, which could add to the tension in this clash.
Murray comes into the Italian Open after winning the ATP Challenger Aix-En Provence, his first clay final in seven years. Meanwhile, Fognini enters the competition after losing his round of 16 match at the Estoril Open in early April, when the 35-year-old sensationally lost due to a double foot fault.
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