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By Chris Oddo | Sunday October 23, 2016

 
Pablo Carreno Busta

Pablo Carreno Busta rallied from a set down to defeat Fabio Fognini in the Moscow final.

Photo Source: Tennis TV

Pablo Carreno Busta is becoming a formidable force on the ATP Tour. The 25-year-old won the Kremlin Cup title on his debut, battling back from a set down to defeat Fabio Fognini, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

More: Delpo Claims First ATP Title in 33 Months with Win over Sock in Stockholm

It’s the second title of the year from four finals for Carreno Busta, and the second of his career.

Fognini, in search of his first career hardcourt title, broke decisively in the seventh game on the first set after throwing up a brilliant behind-the-back lob and then converting the break point with topspin backhand winner. He would serve out the first stanza, one that ended without a single winner from Carreno Busta’s end of the court.



Carreno Busta took off running in the second set, building a 4-1 lead, but he had his wings clipped momentarily when he went down with a significant thigh injury in the sixth game.

After racing out to his right to play a Fognini drive volley, the Spaniard suddenly couldn’t put weight on his weakened right leg. He lay on the court rubbing his thigh and eventually went over to his chair to get the leg wrapped.

When he returned, however, Carreno Busta got right back to business and showed no ill effects. He would close out the set and break for 2-1 in the third set against an increasingly frustrated Fognini.


Carreno Busta saved both break points he faced and won five of the final six games to clinch, converting his third championship point with an overhead smash down the middle.

After the match, Fognini showed his lighter side during the awards presentation. He congratulated Carreno Busta and his team, and joked about Carreno’s ability to overcome the injury. “When the physio is coming, he put a magic tape [on your leg],” said Fognini. “Next time, I need also.”

Carreno Busta has now won a career-best 39 wins this season, and should climb to a career-high ranking on Monday. He entered the tournament at No.36 in the world, one spot shy of his previous career high.

 

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