Fognini, Thiem Make Winning Starts In Rio

Last year’s runner-up Fabio Fognini made a strong start at the Rio Open presented by Claro, defeating Aljaz Bedene 7-5, 6-3 on Tuesday in the first round. The Italian saved both break points he faced and converted four of his eight opportunities on Bedene’s serve to wrap up victory in one hour and 34 minutes.

Fognini stunned Rafael Nadal last year to reach the final of this ATP World Tour 500 clay-court tournament, where he fell to David Ferrer.

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem kept up his strong form, dismissing Pablo Andujar 6-3, 6-4. The 22-year-old Austrian is coming off his fourth ATP World Tour title in Buenos Aires, where he beat Nadal in the semi-finals before overcoming Nicolas Almagro for the trophy.

Argentine Federico Delbonis upset Jack Sock, beating the sixth-seeded American 7-5, 6-1 in 78 minutes. Delbonis won 72 per cent of his service points as he notched his fifth win of the season.

Defending champion Ferrer and top seed Nadal are both in first-round action later.