Fabio Fognini Upsets Felix Auger Aliassime to Reach 2023 French Open 2nd Round

• Fabio Fognini defeated 10th-seed Felix Auger-Ailiassime in the first round of the 2023 French Open on Monday
• He wreaked havoc against the Canadian’s serve with the Italian converting eight of his nine break-point chances
• Fognini will next face 30-year-old Australian Jason Kubler in the second round of this year's French Open tournament

Fabio Fognini produced a statement victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach the second round of the 2023 French Open on Monday.

The 36-year-old Italian needed just two hours and 17 minutes to record a 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 win over the Canadian.

It was a shocking defeat for 22-year-old Auger-Aliassime, who became the first top-10 player to lose in the men’s singles draw at this year’s French Open.

Auger-Aliassime disappoints against Fognini

Many expected Auger-Aliassime to make a deep run in this tournament following his excellent display at Roland Garros last year, pushing eventual champion, Rafael Nadal to five sets.

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However, the Canadian failed to impress in his first match at Roland Garros since that epic round-of-16 showdown against the 14-time French Open champion.

Fognini, who secured his first top-10 win at Roland Garros, blasted 34 winners and won 72 percent of his first serve points against Auger-Aliassime.

What proved to be the difference in the match, however, was the Italian’s sizzling return.

Fognini won 51 percent of his receiving points against Auger-Aliassime, with the former converting eight of his nine break-point opportunities.

Fognini to face Kubler next

Next up for Fognini is a second-round clash with Jason Kubler. The Italian, who is through to the second round of the French Open for the third consecutive year, has never faced the player in his career.

Kubler punched his ticket to the round of 64 with a thrilling 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 win over Facundo Diaz Acosta in a match that lasted three hours and 24 minutes.

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The Australian won 40 percent of his receiving points against Diaz Acosta, converting six of his 12 break-point chances.

Kubler won the five-set contest despite committing 52 unforced errors in the first round.

Roland Garros crowd boos Kostyuk

Sports Brief also reported on Marta Kostyuk being booed by spectators after her match versus Aryna Sabalenka.

The Ukrainian star refused to shake hands with her Belarusian opponent following a 6-3, 6-2 first-round loss.

That snub did not sit well with some fans, who hurled boos at Kostyuk as she exited Court Philippe-Chatrier.