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‘Running on fumes’: Sandgren ready for exhausting Fognini battle
LONDON, July 5, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Fabio Fognini came through a five-set
battle to reach the Wimbledon third round — but next faces a man who also
went through the wringer to make the last 32.
The Italian 12th seed takes on Tennys Sandgren of the United States on
Saturday, who similarly came through a gruelling five-set second round
contest.
Clay court specialist Fognini is still floating near his highest-ever
ranking, having won his first Masters-level title in April.
“Fognini’s a really good player, very talented. He’s had a phenomenal year
winning Monte Carlo,” Sandgren told AFP.
“I’ve played him twice. One time was 7-6 in the third. He’s going to be
extremely tough. I’m going to have to play really well if I’m going to even
have a shot at sneaking a win.”
Sandgren claimed the scalp of French 20th seed Gilles Simon in a 6-2, 6-3,
4-6, 3-6, 8-6 win on Thursday.
Meanwhile Fognini beat Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 6-7 (7/6), 6-4, 7-6
(7/3), 2-6, 6-3.
“I guess that helps me a little bit. Maybe we’re both a little tired. It’s
better than him winning in straight sets!” said world number 94 Sandgren.
“I’m definitely spent. I was really hurting by the end of the fourth and
probably didn’t have any business winning the fifth but got a little lucky.
“Definitely running on fumes.”
Sandgren, a 2018 Australian Open quarter-finalist, made his debut in the
Wimbledon main draw last year.
“I played Novak Djokovic, so I was done pretty fast!” the US player
recalled.
“I don’t know what to expect coming here. I feel like my game’s not bad
for grass. My serve’s good and I can attack.”
The winner of the match would face either Sam Querrey of the United States
or Australia’s John Millman — both unseeded — in the fourth round, with
Rafael Nadal a potential quarter-final opponent.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1840HRS