Fognini sets up final clash with Medvedev for Diriyah Cup

Fabio Fognini, who finished the season, ranked 12th in the world, seems to be finding his best tennis in the ongoing pre-season finale at the Diriyah Arena near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Italian qualified on Friday for the Diriyah Tennis Cup final and will play for the biggest chunk of the $3 million prize pool this week in the Middle East.

In a lively semi-final, 32-year-old Fognini defeated his contemporary and good friend Gael Monfils, world number 10, 6-4 and 6-4.

Fognini will clash with Russian Daniil Medvedev, who easily got the better of the Belgium David Goffin 6-3, 6-3, in a match that lasted 1 hour and 7 minutes.

Elsewhere in Prague, Barbora Strycova said on Friday she was pondering the doubles title defence at Wimbledon before retiring from the sport, a move she has lately been suggesting.

“I’d love to play at Wimbledon again, it’s the greatest tournament for me and if I get another chance to play there I’ll be super happy,” the 33-year-old world doubles number one told reporters.

The energetic Czech made the Wimbledon semi-finals in singles last year, her best singles result ever at a grand slam, and took the doubles honours together with Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei.

“I’m in full training for the beginning of the season, we’re flying to Australia on Dec.31,” Strycova said.

“I love the country, particularly because it’s warm down there and I know the people there, this will be my 17th time in Australia. So I’m looking forward to it.”

Last month, Strycova parted ways with Czech coach David Kotyza, who had guided compatriot Petra Kvitova to Wimbledon titles in 2011 and 2014.

She said at that time that she “found it a little selfish to keep him at all costs” as her retirement is approaching.

After Australia, Strycova expects to play at Doha, which was her first tournament with Hsieh last year, and at Dubai, where they will defend the title.

Before heading south, Strycova said she would enjoy Christmas, a time of singing and breaking her diet.

“I try to cut down on eating but I push all concerns aside on Christmas Eve and I don’t care how much I eat really,” she said.

She also confessed a passion for TV fairy tales and Christmas tunes.

“I sing when I’m on my own -- when I’m driving to the training session in my car, I imagine I’m the best singer in the world and sing to the Christmas songs I play on my stereo.”

Meanwhile, Marcos Baghdatis, who ended his playing career earlier this year, is returning to tennis as a coaching consultant for Elina Svitolina, the women’s world number six has said.

“Starting now, Marcos will be part of my team in the role of consultant coach, alongside my current coach Andy Bettles,” Ukraine’s Svitolina said on Instagram.

“I’m very excited to announce this news and I’m confident his strong experience will add value to my game. With such a great coaching team, I have set high objectives for 2020.”

Baghdatis, who finished runner-up at the 2006 Australian Open, brought the curtain down on his career after losing in the second round at Wimbledon.

The 34-year-old Cypriot confirmed the collaboration on Twitter.

“I am so glad to announce the next chapter of my life and look forward to coaching a great athlete and super tennis player No. 6 ranked WTA player Elina Svitolina,” he said.

“I want to thank Elina for putting her trust in me. Let’s do this!”

Agencies