Fabio Fognini's tumultuous season took another interesting turn at the 2023 Estoril Open, where he suffered a second-round defeat.
The match ended in a truly bizarre fashion, as Fognini lost after committing a double foot fault, an occurrence rarely seen in professional tennis and on the ATP Tour. Fognini's recent struggles have been no secret, with the 36-year-old admitting to experiencing the "worst moment" of his career.
His plummeting rankings and dismal win-loss record in 2023 paint a bleak picture for the once-promising player. However, Fognini remained optimistic about his chances in Estoril, believing he still had the skills to turn his fortunes around.
"I need matches and wins. My ranking went sh*t. I'm in the worst moment of my career. At 36 years old, I feel that I still have the level to improve my ranking. On a good day, I can beat everybody."
The first round of the tournament gave fans a glimmer of hope as Fognini showcased his talent with a commanding performance. Unfortunately, this resurgence was short-lived, as he faced off against Cecchinato in a roller-coaster of a match that ultimately ended in disaster.
Fognini's battle against Cecchinato proved to be a grueling test of skill and endurance. The match took a worrying turn when Fognini experienced a nasty fall, leaving spectators concerned for his well-being. Despite the injury scare, he managed to continue the match, displaying his determination.
In the nail-biting final moments, Fognini faltered in a way few could have predicted. On match point, the Italian committed not one, but two foot faults, resulting in a double fault that handed Cecchinato the victory.
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