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The compatriots had battled it out over nearly
four hours in the John Cain Arena before 16th seed Fognini
emerged a 4-6 6-2 2-6 6-3 7-6(12) winner.
The traditional handshake at the net quickly degenerated into a
heated argument when Fognini suggested Caruso had been lucky on
some points in the match, an observation the Sicilian objected
to.
The expletive-filled argument continued by the side of the court
until the official stood between the two players as they
continued to gesticulate.
It is the second year in a row that Fognini has been involved in
controversy after a long match at Melbourne Park.
Fognini ripped his shirt off in protest and was docked a point
for refusing to play during an ill-tempered fourth round loss to
Tenys Sandgren that the American described as a "war".
The 33-year-old claycourt specialist will face Australian number
one Alex de Minaur in the third round.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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