Advertisement
Sections
Shanghai Masters 2019: Fabio Fognini says Andy Murray just like him 'because he complains'
Bad blood boiled on Tuesday when Fognini defeated Murray in three bitter sets, during which the Briton told the Italian to "shut up"

Shanghai: Fabio Fognini said on Thursday that Andy Murray and himself are alike because they both like to complain, after their match at the Shanghai Masters descended into acrimony.[caption id="attachment_6628701" align="alignleft" width="380"]
Fabio Fognini in a file photo. AP[/caption]Bad blood boiled on Tuesday when the Italian defeated the Briton in three bitter sets, during which Murray told Fognini to "shut up".Afterwards, the former number one accused 12th-ranked Fognini of shouting while he played a critical point.The 32-year-old Fognini attempted to play down the row."What do I have to say? I have to say something?" Fognini replied, asked by AFP what he made of Murray's accusations."I don't have to defend myself. The past is the past, I have known him since we are 14."For me they stay on court, and that's it... I've nothing to say."Pushed if was aggrieved to have been told to "shut up" by a fuming Murray, Fognini said: "I don't (wasn't) upset, I'm not."He has his character, I have mine, and that's it."Fognini, who defeated Russia's Karen Khachanov to reach the last eight in Shanghai on Thursday, queried the need to make peace with three-time Grand Slam champion Murray."Peace? I told you, we know each other really well," said Fognini."Inside the court we are almost the same because most of the time I'm complaining and he's complaining."But that's part of our job, so I've nothing to say."Reports suggested that Fognini and Murray, who clashed at the net towards the end of their tetchy match, followed the row on afterwards."We talked normally," said the Italian.Fognini put on another colourful display to reach the Shanghai quarter-finals.The Italian had several prickly exchanges with the chair umpire and the crowd in a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Khachanov.Fognini collapsed in fits of laughter at the net after one umpiring decision and then had an animated exchange with the official in Italian.He next plays Russia's Daniil Medvedev, the in-form world number four and US Open finalist."I think it's the worst player that I can play at the moment because he changed completely in the summer," Fognini said."Of course he was great also before, but he made unbelievable changes during the US swing and he's dangerous, he's really dangerous."
Fabio Fognini in a file photo. AP[/caption]Bad blood boiled on Tuesday when the Italian defeated the Briton in three bitter sets, during which Murray told Fognini to "shut up".Afterwards, the former number one accused 12th-ranked Fognini of shouting while he played a critical point.The 32-year-old Fognini attempted to play down the row."What do I have to say? I have to say something?" Fognini replied, asked by AFP what he made of Murray's accusations."I don't have to defend myself. The past is the past, I have known him since we are 14."For me they stay on court, and that's it... I've nothing to say."Pushed if was aggrieved to have been told to "shut up" by a fuming Murray, Fognini said: "I don't (wasn't) upset, I'm not."He has his character, I have mine, and that's it."Fognini, who defeated Russia's Karen Khachanov to reach the last eight in Shanghai on Thursday, queried the need to make peace with three-time Grand Slam champion Murray."Peace? I told you, we know each other really well," said Fognini."Inside the court we are almost the same because most of the time I'm complaining and he's complaining."But that's part of our job, so I've nothing to say."Reports suggested that Fognini and Murray, who clashed at the net towards the end of their tetchy match, followed the row on afterwards."We talked normally," said the Italian.Fognini put on another colourful display to reach the Shanghai quarter-finals.The Italian had several prickly exchanges with the chair umpire and the crowd in a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Khachanov.Fognini collapsed in fits of laughter at the net after one umpiring decision and then had an animated exchange with the official in Italian.He next plays Russia's Daniil Medvedev, the in-form world number four and US Open finalist."I think it's the worst player that I can play at the moment because he changed completely in the summer," Fognini said."Of course he was great also before, but he made unbelievable changes during the US swing and he's dangerous, he's really dangerous."First Published:Oct 10, 2019, 14:22:15 IST
Advertisement
Advertisement

Vozinha, Haaland lead fan-voted FIFA World Cup dream team
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and Norway striker Erling Haaland headline the fan-selected World Cup XI after standout performances, joining stars Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
1 min read
PV Sindhu's China Open hopes end after agonising second-round defeat to Chen Yufei
Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu suffered a heartbreaking exit at the China Open after falling to local favourite Chen Yufei in the second round.
1 min read
Commonwealth Games 2026: Check schedule, star athletes, medal favourites and everything you need to know
Glasgow is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 2, stepping in after Victoria, Australia, withdrew due to rising costs. The Scottish city has promised a streamlined edition, featuring only ten sports across four venues.
3 min read
High-flying PV Sindhu defeats fellow Indian Unnati Hooda, advances into 2026 China Open round two
Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu battled past teenage compatriot Unnati Hooda in a hard‑fought opening‑round clash to reach the second round of the China Open.
2 min read
What Is 3x3 Basketball, and why India Is playing It at the 2026 CWG for the first time
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have sparked debate with the exclusion of nine sporting events, but they will mark a historic milestone with India’s maiden appearance in the women’s 3x3 wheelchair basketball competition.
2 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
