Fabio Fognini wins maiden ATP title

Italy’s Fabio Fognini poses in front of the winner’s prize, a Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG, after defeating Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in the final of the ATP tennis tournament in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany, on July 14, 2013. (Getty Images)

Berlin, July 15 (IANS): Fabio Fognini won his first career title as he came from behind to overcome Philipp Kohlschreiber 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 at the final of the ATP Stuttgart Open.

The fifth seeded Italian converted his first match point after two hours and six minutes on clay to receive a new roadster and prize money Sunday. Fognini broke the spell after losing two career finals last year, aside from that, he improved his record against second seeded Kohlschreiber to 1-2, reports Xinhua.

The world No.25 Kohlschreiber wanted to become the second German titleholder in Stuttgart after Michael Stich in 1991. However, he was not able to make use of his home advantage.

Both players started with a weak service into the match to ensure 15 break chances. After 43 minutes, Kohlschreiber wrapped the first set 7-5 by breaking Foginis serve.

It was a short lived joy by the German as he gave away his serve in the first game to lose the second set 4-6 to the world no.31.

In the last and third set the Italian exploited the momentum to grab a 4-1 lead to seal the set 6-4 to become the first Italian to win the ATP Stuttgart Open.