Kukushkin Upsets Fognini At Roland Garros

Mikhail Kukushkin recorded one of the biggest wins of his career on Monday to reach the Roland Garros second round for the first time since 2017.

The Kazakhstani held his nerve to beat No. 14 seed Fabio Fognini 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(1), 6-0 in two hours and 52 minutes. Fognini has now lost in the first round at the clay-court major on four occasions (also 2007, 2009 and 2016).

Kukushkin recovered from 3-5 down in the third set by winning 24 of 32 points, then ran through the 22-minute fourth set for the loss of six points. Both players hit 42 winners, but Kukushkin was stronger on serve and converted seven of his 12 break point opportunities.

The 32-year-old Kukushkin will now challenge Pedro Martinez, who recorded just his second Grand Slam championship victory with a 7-5, 6-4, 6-0 win over fellow qualifier Aleksandar Vukic in two hours and 12 minutes. Martinez saved two set points on serve at 4-5, 15/40 in the first set.