Home favourite Fabio Fognini has seen his Italian Open campaign come to an end at the hands of Tomas Berdych this evening.
The sixth seed prevailed 6-3 3-6 7-6(2) in a thrilling battle that lasted for nearly three hours in Rome.
A break of serve in the second game of the match allowed Berdych to push on and take the opening set, although Fognini hit back in style to level things up after initially wasting two set points to give his opponent some hope.
Both players held throughout a tight decider, which ensured that a tie-break would be required to separate the pair, and it was the Czech Republic ace who managed to keep his nerve to triumph 7-2.
Berdych will now take on Roger Federer, with a place in the semi-final of the competition on the line.
Daniel Lewis
