Italian Fognini wins Brazil Open title

[March 05, 2018]    Fognini fought back from a poor start to beat Chilean Nicolas Jarry 1-6 6-1 6-4 and win the Brazil Open title on Sunday.

Fabio Fognini of Italy celebrates after defeating Nicolas Jarry of Chile. REUTERS/Leonardo Benassatto

The Italian struggled with Jarry's big serve early in the match and the 22-year-old Chilean, playing in his first ATP final, looked intent on claiming his first tour crown as he stormed through the first set in 21 minutes.

But Fognini adjusted his game and romped through the second set before overpowering a tired-looking opponent to take the title, the sixth of his career.

"He started very well and I had to wait a bit for his serve to calm down," Fognini said. "I've always played well in Sao Paulo and never been able to win so I'm very happy."

(Reporting by Andrew Downie, editing by Ed Osmond)

[© 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2018 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.