Fognini Captures Umag Crown

Fabio Fognini defeated Andrej Martin 6-4, 6-1 for the Konzum Croatia Open Umag title, his fourth ATP World Tour crown on Sunday. The Italian improved his final record to 4-7, adding to his trophy cabinet, which includes 2014 Vina del Mar, ’13 Hamburg and ’13 Stuttgart. 

The 29-year-old Fognini is the first Italian winner in tournament history (since 1990). He previously reached the final in Umag in 2013 (l. to Robredo). As winner he earned 250 Emirates ATP Rankings points and €82,450 in prize money.

Martin did well to erase a break point in his first service game to hold for 1-1. Again in the eighth game, Martin faced break points but held his nerve once more to hold for 4-4. Fognini broke Martin for the first set, 6-4, when the Slovakian sent a forehand wide.

With Croatia’s President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović looking on, the second set momentum continued in the direction of the fourth seed as Fognini raced to a 5-0 lead. Martin managed to win one game before the Italian served out the match at love and claimed victory after 68 minutes with an ace.

Slovakian Andrej Martin, who saved five match points to beat compatriot Martin Klizan in the second round, was appearing in his first tour-level final and attempting to become the sixth first-time champion this season. As runner-up he takes home €43,430 and 150 points.