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Fabio Fognini is through to the second round after rallying from a set down to top Andrey Rublev, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, in Monte Carlo.

Before this tournament, Fognini, had only won one match since reaching the third round of the Australian Open. Last week, he lost to No. 101-ranked Jiri Vesely in the Marrakech opener, causing him to smash multiple racquets.

"It's a difficult time for me," Fognini said after his match. "I didn't start very well this year, so I think it's very important winning at the moment."

The No. 13-seeded Italian will next face either Gilles Simon or AlexeiPopyrin.

Fognini rallies past Rublev to move into Monte Carlo second round

Fognini rallies past Rublev to move into Monte Carlo second round