By Tony Fairbairn
- Jacob Fearnley def Fabio Fognini [WC] 6-2 6-3
- Fearnley v Matteo Berrettini [29] | H2H: First Meeting
ROME, ITALY – Jacob Fearnley spoiled the Fabio Fognini party with a straight sets win and will now face Matteo Berrettini in a blockbuster clash in Rome.
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Jacob Fearnley def Fabio Fognini [WC] 6-2 6-3
Jacob Fearnley is into the second round in Rome after the Brit secured a straight sets win over Fabio Fognini in Rome. Prior to the match Fognini had announced that this was going to be the last time he would play in Rome and the Italian was clearly motivated as he broke in the opening game. The Foro Italico has always been a place of worship for Fognini’s tennis so it was very fitting the Italian was producing another magical display on the day that the Pope was announced.
However, at the age of 37 it was hard for Fognini to sustain his level so it came to no surprise when the Italian’s level eventually dipped. That is when Fearnley improved his level as he edged out a tough game to break back in the fourth game. The world number 107 wouldn’t be fazed by the setback as he created another chance to restore his break advantage.
That opportunity was snuffed out by Fearnley who played aggressive tennis to save the break point and holding for a 3-2 lead. That would be the turning point of the contest with Fearnley gaining more confidence and he produces some clinical returning to break on two consecutive occasions to take the opening set.
The second set was a similar trend as Fognini started with some aggressive and fluid tennis to break in the opening game with relative ease. Although there were tough moments Fognini was confident and reassured in big points to take a 3-1 lead but that is where the Italian’s success ended.
Some brutal rallies were produced and Fearnley was now starting to win the majority of them. On his third break point of the game, Fearnley sealed the crucial blow to level the set at 3-3. From there it was one way traffic as Fearnley was comfortable on serve and another break of serve in the eighth game secured the Brit’s passage into the second round.
Jacob Fearnley v Matteo Berrettini [29] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jacob Fearnley v Matteo Berrettini [29] | H2H: First Meeting |
| Rome 2025 | Rome, Italy |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €30,895 |
| First on Campo Centrale (10:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Another Italian awaits Fearnley in the second round in the form of 29th seed Matteo Berrettini.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jacob Fearnley (WR 57) | Matteo Berrettini (WR 30) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Quarter-Final (2020) |
| 1st Serve % | 59.8 | 69 |
| Service Games Won % | 80.4 | 89.6 |
| Break Points Saved % | 59.4 | 71.8 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.9 | 45.1 |
| Break Points Converted % | 39.5 | 38.8 |
Fearnley will need to be at his clinical best on return against the aggressive and efficient serving of Berrettini.
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Playing styles and prediction
Berrettini has played some impressive tennis this season to get his ranking back on track. However, the Italian will be concerned by the injury he picked up in Madrid last week and will be hoping that he hasn’t rushed back too quickly. Should the Italian be fully fit then he will be targeting a successful tournament in front of his home fans at the Foro Italico.
Fearnley will aim to be aggressive on serve while returning smartly and tactically. Meanwhile Berrettini will use the forehand to dictate play and rushing the Brit’s accurate baseline play. This will be another test for Fearnley and will dictate where his clay court game is at. After three long sets, Berrettini may just have enough quality to survive a tight test.
Prediction: Berrettini in three sets.
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