Sinner advances past Humbert as Fognini stumbles against Nishikori in Rome

Jannik Sinner and Fabio Fognini flew the Italian flag on Monday but only one was able to move on to the next round.

It was a mixed bag for the Italian duo on Monday as Jannik Sinner moved on at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia while Fabio Fognini stumbled. Fognini was the first to step onto the court facing a very tough opponent in Nishikori. The Japanese player traditionally plays well in Rome which can't be said for Fognini.

And once again it was not meant to be as Nishikori was the better player from start to finish. He served better and played better rallies winning the 1st set 6-3. Both players were better in the 2nd set but Nishikori was more consistent at ended up winning the 2nd with 6-4.

Jannik Sinner did make the Italians proud as he cruised past Humbert to the 2nd round in Rome. Playing his signature hyper-aggressive style he was able to take control of points early attacking Humbert at every chance. The Frenchman is not a good clay player and it showed.

His most powerful weapon, the serve, is severely hampered on the red dirt and Sinner was able to attack it. He won the first set with 6-2 before allowing himself to be broken early in the 2nd. He then went on a 4-0 run to take the 4-2 lead before closing out the match with 6-4.