Ubitennis founder Ubaldo Scanagatta looks back at the highs and lows of the fourth day of the Italian Open.
Wednesday at the Foro Italica saw Fabio Fognini delight home fans. The world No.21 knocked out Dominic Thiem 6-4, 1-6, 6-3, in what was his first win against a top 10 player this season. Fognini is now on course to face Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk followed by top seed Rafael Nadal in the draw.
Elsewhere at the tournament, Karolina Pliskova is facing the prospect of a big fine following her outburst. Controversy erupted during her match against Maria Sakkari when a shot from the Czech at 5-5, 40-40, in the decider was called out. When challenging the call, the umpire was unable to find the mark and TV replays found the ball to be in. At the end of the match Pliskova refused to shake the umpire’s hand and instead smashed a hole in the side of her chair.
