Roberto Bautista Agut (18) vs. Fabio Fognini (9)
Each player has had an interesting 2019 with some notable wins. Fabio Fognini beat Rafael Nadal en route to taking the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 shield. Roberto Bautista Agut has two wins over Novak Djokovic in 2019 with each match taking place on a hard court. The winner of this match will be one win away from a potential quarterfinal clash with the world #1.
Fognini has what I call easy power due to great racquet head speed as well as an ability to change the direction of the ball during a rally. He hits winners at times when no one would expect more than a neutral rallying ball. As a shot-maker, he is dangerous. If Fognini is mentally dialed in, he is lethal.
Roberto Bautista Agut comes back from 3-6, 3-4* down to beat Novak Djokovic 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-4 for the best win of his career. Into the final in Doha.
Djokovic loses before a final for the first time since Toronto, in august.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 4, 2019
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Roberto Bautista Agut is a rugged competitor who hits heavy shots from the start to the conclusion of a match. He also tracks down shots when he has to in order to make his opponent work hard to end a point. Over time, RBA can mentally and/or physically break an opponent down.
This match will be a contrast between a grinder and a player who thrives on inspiration and uncanny shot-making. If Fognini’s head is in the match, he is likely the favorite, but over a potential five sets RBA could derail Fognini’s confidence and game. This could be a classic clay court war, but the war taking place between Fognini’s ears will likely determine the outcome.
¡El campeón de Monte-Carlo comenzó #RG19 con el pie derecho! Fabio Fognini eliminó a su compatriota Andreas Seppi con parciales de 6-3, 6-0, 3-6 y 6-3.
Irá ante García López o Delbonis en segunda ronda.#RGxESPN pic.twitter.com/5Q8b5zpeKP
— ESPN Tenis (@ESPNtenis) May 28, 2019
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 