Fabio Fognini wins Italian battle

Italy's Fabio Fognini saw off his fellow countryman Andreas Seppi 3-6 6-4 6-4 to advance through to the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters this afternoon.

It proved to be a close contest between the Italians, with just one break of serve in each set ending up being the decisive moments.

The opening set went the way of world number 18 Seppi, but Fognini ensured that a decider would be required to determine a winner when he broke early in the second set.

It was a similar story in the third set, as just one break of serve for Fognini wrapped up the victory.

The world number 31 will now take on either Albert Ramos or Radek Stepanek in the next round.