Fabio Fognini boots out Tomas Berdych to reach final eight in Monte Carlo

Fabio Fognini has defeated fourth seed Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Berdych always faced a tough test against the Italian, who is known for thriving on clay surfaces, and it showed in the opening set as the first few games were won by the way of serve.

It took a number of strong returns and swift movement around the court from Fognini to ensure the first break of serve, which pushed him to stay dominant and grab the first set.

Yet again, it was a tight contest in the second set, but Fognini proved why he enjoys playing on clay by snatching a break point from Berdych to go ahead in the second.

Another break of serve ensured that Fognini was to end the match victorious and set up a quarter-final clash against either Marin Cilic or Richard Gasquet.