Fognini defeated K. Nishikori and became the first Italian to reach the Miami semi-finals in tournament history

 

Fabio Fognini is on a tear at the Miami Open after beating Kei Nishikori, the second-seeded Japanese star 6-4, 6-2. He reachs his second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 semi-final vs. Nadal.

It is a marked upturn in form for Fognini, who came into Miami with just seven wins on the board in 2017. He is the first unseeded player to reach the semi-finals in Miami since qualifier Guillermo Canas advanced to the final in 2007 (l. to Djokovic).

“At the moment, I'm just happy. Of course this is a big, big tournament for me. I’m feeling really good on court and other times, so this is the best thing that I can have this week,” said Fognini. “I’m happy about my performance. Of course, the result is positive. It’s like a dream maybe. I’m just trying to be focused on my game and do my best.

The 29-year-old Fognini became the first Italian to reach the Miami semi-finals in tournament history

“I mean, Rafa, everybody knows Rafa,” joked Fognini. “Jack, he's in really good shape. I think he's had a really good start to the year and is playing really solid at the moment. I think it's going to be a good match. We will see.”