Fognini saves his place in the Top 100

Fabio Fognini is immortal, timeless. At the age of 37, the Italian veteran is far from his best, but he continues to play week after week, even shining on the Challenger circuit.

Last week in Montemar, where he was seeded No.1, he won the title, beating Luka Neumayer in three sets (6-3, 2-6, 6-3).

However, it wasn't all plain sailing for the San Remo native. In the first round, he came close to elimination against Spanish wildcard Daniel Rincon, winning by the narrowest of margins (6-2, 3-6, 7-5). More at ease thereafter, he dominated his various opponents to finally reach the final and walk away with the trophy.

This success is more than crucial for the 37-year-old. It keeps him in the world's top 100 (90th), a key position for access to major tournaments. The inexhaustible Italian is now back in the Top 90, which guarantees him a direct place in the main draw of the Australian Open.

Despite his volcanic nature, Fognini is a fine example of devotion to his sport and, despite the fatalists, has no intention of putting his rackets away just yet.