The Italian Fabio Fognini Castellón was overtaken Roberto Bautista in a hard-fought final 3-6, 7-6(8), 7-6(3) in three hours and eleven minutes to become champion of the Faulcombridge Cup, Challenger ATP 100, at the Valencia Tennis Club.
Bautista, the tournament’s number one seed, and the Italian from San Remo, eighth, faced each other on center court for the champion trophy, in an even final with moments of all kinds that went to three sets (Fognini saved two match points in the second).
The final started without much speed of play, but, with the score 3-3, Bautista projected a more accurate version than the Italian. The man from Castellón is superior while the man from San Remo recognizes his coaches. Bautista used those sensations and precision in his tennis and won three straight games to take the first set 6-3 in 33 minutes.
The second set started with more intensity and a balanced score, but in the ninth game the key was when Bautista’s serve was broken. The player from Castellón went up 5-4 and had serve in the tenth to try to take the second set and, therefore, the final and the title.
But the man from San Remo rebelled and took the lead but Bautista equalized at 6-6 with his serve. In the tiebreaker that kept the balance, the Italian saved up to two match points from the Spaniard and forced a third set after trailing 10-8. He had a match point at 5-4 and served, with another in the tiebreak at 8-7.
The third set remained a level playing field in terms of scoring. However, there were several situations of disputed points that caused controversy and disagreement between the two players. There was no continuity in the dominance of one or the other, they sharpened good blows and good phases, but they collided with other more naughty moments.
Bautista didn’t let up and won two straight games to take a 5-4 lead, but the Italian held on until the tiebreaker to be crowned champion. “It was a very difficult game. I am happy. I am almost 37 years old; It’s been a tough year with injuries. But despite everything I have to fight for this sport that I love,” said Fabio Fognini after becoming champion.
Source: La Verdad
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