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By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, July 29, 2015

 
Fabio Fognini

Fabio Fognini signs for fans following his three-set win over Albert Ramos-Vinolas that sent him into the Hamburg quarterfinals for the second time in three years.

Photo credit: Tennis Championships am Rothenbaum

On a day in which two fellow seeds bit the dust, Fabio Fognini showcased his front-court skills to continue his forward march.

Overcoming concentration lapses with flashes of his all-court acumen, Fognini defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, to advance to the Hamburg quarterfinals for the second time in three years.

More: Who Will be the ATP's Next Maiden Slam Winner?

The eighth-seeded Italian will play Aljaz Bedene for a semifinal spot.

The 67th-ranked Bedene beat third-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut for the second time this season, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (7), in a match that featured just two breaks of serve. Bedene reached his third quarterfinal of the season following his runner-up result at Chennai—where he edged Bautista Agut in a third-set tie break in the semifinals—and Casablanca quarterfinal appearance in April.

Qualifier Lucas Pouille was a strong starter and closer. Pouille won the first five games and final four games of the match surprising sixth-seeded Juan Monaco 6-1, 7-5. The 21-year-old Frenchman will play for a place in his second semifinal of the season against either second-seeded Tommy Robredo or Bastad champion Benoit Paire, who square off in a rematch of the Bastad final.

Fognini beat Ramos-Vinolas easily en route to the 2013 Hamburg title. Things were more complicated today though Fognini made it look easy carving up the Spaniard's serve at times.

The Australian Open doubles champion was nearly flawless in the frontcourt, winning 17 of 18 net points, often angling off drop volleys that befuddled his opponent.

Showing soft touch, Fognini flicked backhand lob over the lanky Spaniard, who seemed to think the shot was going wide and did not give chase. That finesse game him the opening break. Ramos-Vinolas double faulted to donate a second break and a 5-2 advantage. Fognini flicked a stretch forehand down the line to take the first set in 31 minutes.




The left-hander took charge in the second set punishing his opponent's second serve. Ramos-Vinolas won 10 of 12 points played on Fognini's second delivery, breaking twice to snatch the second set.

Both players had opportunity earlier in the decider. Fognini's willingness to change direction and drive the ball down the line helped him earn the break for 4-2. He saved break points, reeling off five consecutive points to back up the break for 5-2. Fognini knifed a sharp backhand volley to wrap up the win in two hours, one minute.


 

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