Jannik Sinner withstands comeback from compatriot Fabio Fognini to book place in Italian Open last 16

Jannik Sinner battled hard to find a way past compatriot Fabio Fognini at the Italian Open, 6-2 3-6 6-3. The encounter pitted two of the home favourites against one another in something of a 'derby', and provided some memorable moments of quality in the customarily stunning setting of the Foro Italico, which Stefanos Tsitsipas had earlier on Wednesday described as «like the Colosseum».

Ad/> Centre Court was packed from the outset for the much-anticipated match and it was Sinner who came out of the blocks quicker, compiling a 5-1 lead as Fognini was left chasing shadows. /> ATP RomeHighlights: Home favourite Sinner knocks out Martinez in Rome8 HOURS AGO Sinner was to take the opener 6-2, but it was roles reversed in the second as Fognini broke twice to take a 5-2 lead.

He served it out comfortably and the crowd showed their appreciation to the Sanremo native for extending their evening's entertainment. However, Sinner — still only 20 — showed experience beyond his years to take stock ahead of the decider and stretch into a 4-1 lead.

Fognini closed it up with a break back to heighten Sinner's nerves, but the youngster served it out to book a last-16 match with Serbia's Filip Krajinovic. Fognini's nine double faults and first serve percentage of just 46% provided an idea of where the 34-year-old fell down in his bid to outdo Sinner.

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