Carlos Alcaraz wins close battle with Fabio Fognini in Rio

Carlos Alcaraz had to battle hard against Fabio Fognini in order to advance in Rio because the Italian turned in a really strong performance, his best in ages.

Alcaraz took an early lead in this match but then saw Fognini battle back and actually made it a lead. He was brilliant on all sides of the court hitting some incredibly vintage shots. Rio is a good court for him, semi-final last year and he defeated Nadal once here as well. Even with the brilliant play, Fognini didn't manage to serve out the set having a chance to do so twice.

The tie-break was another good one with Fognini eventually emerging on top 7-5. Alcaraz became more serious in the second set. He took an early lead and never let it go even adding another break later on. It was a much better performance as he won the set 6-2. The final set opened with Alcaraz taking a 3-0 lead.

Fognini would pull back one of the breaks but he didn't get a chance to do so for the second as the Spaniard cruised to a 6-4 finish. A great match that lasted almost three hours.