Fabio Fognini and Salvatore Caruso had to be separated by an official during a furious argument after their five-set classic at the Australian Open Thursday.

Fognini, the 16th seed prevailed 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (14/12) in nearly four hours after a fierce battle on John Cain Arena.

But rather than the traditional polite congratulations, the pair started arguing furiously in Italian, while gesturing and pointing.

Eventually the court supervisor had to step between the pair and tell them to cool off.

• Tennis: Champion Kenin out, top-ranked Barty through at Australian Open

"I'm tired," Fognini told an on-court interview immediately afterwards, without discussing the argument.

"Salvatore was fighting every point ... it was up and down, I was lucky.

"That kind of match especially against someone from your own country, are always tough. He gave his all till the end," he added.

The angry ending capped a compelling and seesawing second-round match, with Fognini's reward a clash with Australian 21st seed Alex De Minaur.

mp/th

© Agence France-Presse

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv