Fabio Fognini cracks Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer joke at Australian Open

Fabio Fognini became one of the few players to come from two sets down to win a match at all four Grand Slam events as he beat Reilly Opelka 3-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 in a feisty affair this morning.

Both players lost their cool with umpire Carlos Bernardes at several times during the encounter.

And it was the controversial Fognini who was able to regain his composure after Monday’s rain delay to return this morning and book his place in the second round.

The world No 12 was reminded of his fantastic record when behind in his post-match press conference.

And he joked he had his own special milestone to equal the Big Three of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer – who have won the titles at every major tournament.

“I have made it a Grand Slam,” Fognini laughed. “I have made but not in the way of Rafa, Novak and Roger.

“It’s a different one but it’s ok.”

Fognini was quickly reminded that Federer has also completed the same feat of coming from two sets down at Melbourne Park, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows.

And the 32-year-old clicked his fingers in response as by magic his record was snatched away from him.

But he went on to explain how he was able to find the character to complete such a brilliant turnaround.

“That’s the sport, I was not happy yesterday because I was not feeling the ball at all,” said Fognini, whose next opponent is Australian Jordan Thompson.

“I really don’t like this kind of ball because when they’re new they’re really fast but after 10 minutes they go orange.”

Opelka fumed at the umpire during the showdown as he felt Fognini was slowing the play down.

“How many f***ing times are you going to let him get away with it?” Opelka raged.

“You’re f***ing pathetic. He’s done it four times.”

But the American feels his conduct may have been partly to blame for raising Fognini’s spirits.

“Especially against a guy like him. You want to keep him out of the match as much as possible,” he said.

“Fabio really stepped it up today, which I was expecting.

“I remember watching him beat Nadal at the US Open down two sets. By no means was I expecting [to be] one set and out today.”

source: express.co.uk