Fabio Fognini’s Top 5 Craziest Matches

Fabio Fognini recently announced that the 2025 Italian Open would be his last appearance at the event. His 18th main-draw campaign at this esteemed tournament ended yesterday against Jacob Fearnley as he played his final match at the Foro Italico. Although he hasn’t officially announced his retirement from professional tennis, this choice has almost ensured that he will soon retire.

Fognini has been a great ambassador for Italian tennis over the years. He is known for his artistry, fiery temperament, flair, and ability to produce dramatic, rollercoaster matches. He has been involved in some unforgettable matches in his career. Here are five of his craziest matches, characterised by comebacks, controversies, or sheer unpredictability.

Top 5 Craziest Matches of Fabio Fognini

5. 2017 US Open, First Round: Fabio Fognini vs Stefano Travaglia

Result: Travaglia defeated Fognini 6-4 7-6(8) 3-6 6-0

This match was infamous for Fognini’s meltdown, where he directed misogynistic slurs at the female umpire, Louise Engzelle, calling her derogatory terms in Italian. The outburst led to his expulsion from the tournament, a $96,000 fine, and a provisional two-Slam suspension. The incident overshadowed his fourth-set bagel at the hands of compatriot and qualifier, Stefano Travaglia, who was ranked #144 at the time and had no prior Grand Slam main draw wins.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation. Fognini was allowed to play two doubles matches after the incident, which Rafael Nadal criticised. Nadal said: “Of course, if you are not doing the right things on the court, you need to be in some way affected. But at the same time, it’s true that things can be made to happen earlier because I believe that he played two matches after that match, two doubles matches. If they want to suspend him, [it would] be much better to do it immediately, not three days later or four days later.” This incident did further damage to Fognini’s already scarred reputation.

4. 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters, Semifinal: Fabio Fognini vs Rafael Nadal

Result: Fognini defeated Nadal 6-4 6-2

Facing the 11-time Monte-Carlo champion and clay-court king Rafael Nadal, Fognini delivered a masterclass, dismantling him in straight sets. Seeded 13th, Fognini was the underdog but played with fearless precision in windy conditions, breaking Nadal’s dominance at the event. This victory ended Nadal’s 18-match win streak at the tournament.

Fognini went on to win the title by beating Dusan Lajovic in the final, becoming the first Italian champion there in over 50 years. It was the greatest performance of his career. Nadal looked helpless, such was the level of ball striking from the Italian. This was his third win over Nadal on clay, which highlighted his ability to challenge Nadal on clay, a feat only Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem had consistently achieved, and underscored his talent when focused.

3. 2014 Davis Cup, Quarterfinal: Fabio Fognini vs Andy Murray

Result: Fognini defeated Murray 6-3 6-3 6-4

Playing at home, Fognini dominated the then-World No.8 Andy Murray on clay in straight sets, a rare feat. The match was intense, with Fognini’s unorthodox style and fiery demeanour overwhelming Murray, who struggled with the crowd and surface. This was a must-win match for Italy, and Fognini delivered in style. This victory levelled the Italy-Great Britain tie at 2-2, forcing a decisive fifth rubber and ultimately helping Italy secure a 3-2 win to reach the Davis Cup semifinals for the first time since 1998.

The raucous atmosphere created by the Italian crowd rattled Murray, who was visibly unhappy with the noise between serves. Fognini, on the other hand, fed off the crowd’s energy and showed all his flair. His forehand was on fire, and drop shots were hit with perfection. Murray’s loss ended a 19-match Davis Cup singles win streak, his first defeat since 2005, making it a memorable encounter.

Following this match, Fognini vs Murray became a must-see encounter, and a spicy meeting occurred at the 2019 Shanghai Masters, during which Murray yelled “Shut Up” to Fognini in the third set.

2. 2010 French Open, Second Round: Fabio Fognini vs Gael Monfils

Result: Fognini defeated Monfils 2-6 4-6 7-5 6-4 9-7

Down two sets to love against the home favorite Gael Monfils on clay, Fognini battled back in a match that spanned two days due to darkness. Fabio Fognini is one of the few players who have achieved the feat of coming back from two sets down to win a match in each of the four Grand Slams. This was Fognini’s first Grand Slam win after trailing by two sets.

Monfils was already an established player by that time, ranked 15th in the world and a two-time French Open quarterfinalist. On the other hand, the Italian was yet to crack the top 50. Apart from the incredible comeback, what made this match crazy was the chaotic fifth set.

Monfils’ physical condition started to deteriorate, and darkness enveloped the court. Discussions about suspending play arose, as visibility was poor for players and line umpires. Fognini, frustrated, argued with officials and received a penalty point for stalling, while Monfils, limping and barely serving, relied on the crowd’s support to push him through.

At 5-5, with the clock nearing 10 p.m., the match was suspended amid jeers from the crowd, who wanted Monfils to continue. The match resumed the next day, and Fognini won 9-7 in the fifth. This was a big win for Fognini, who had to channel his frustrations with the crowd and the umpire into his play.

1. 2015 US Open, Third Round: Fabio Fognini vs Rafael Nadal

Result: Fognini defeated Nadal 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4

This was Fognini’s second comeback from two sets down at the US Open and easily the biggest and most impressive comeback of his career. Rafael Nadal looked set to advance to the fourth round, leading with two sets and a break in the third. However, Fognini had other ideas. He clawed his way back with aggressive shot-making and intense energy. His ability to hit outrageous angles and powerful groundstrokes began to overwhelm Nadal, who struggled to make Fognini move.

This was Nadal’s first loss at a Grand Slam after leading by two sets and his third loss to Fognini in 2015. This loss also brought an end to his 10-year run of winning at least one Slam per season. This match showcased Fognini’s grit and talent. It was an electric match which lasted nearly four hours and concluded after midnight.