Trapped by Fognini, Cazaux will not see the final table in Paris

Invited by the organizers to take part in the qualifying rounds of the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000, Arthur Cazaux was unable to secure his place in the main draw.

After a very reassuring first match in which he overcame an in-form David Goffin (6-1, 6-7, 6-1), the Frenchman was trapped by one of the most experienced players on the ATP circuit: Fabio Fognini (7-6, 4-6, 6-2).

Although physically much better than his opponent, he was nonetheless unable to cope with the quality of this timeless Italian.

Tightening up his game when he needed to and often pushing the Tricolore to the fault, Fognini taught poor Cazaux a lesson.

The immortal transalpine dominated a player 15 years younger, and will now move on to the main draw, where he will face Alexander Bublik in the first round.

A match that also showed Cazaux just how far he still has to go before he can really move up a category.