Fognini returns to Stuttgart

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The Italian world number 15 reached the third round at Wimbledon, matching his best ever appearance at the grass-court grand slam.

Fognini was fined over £16,150 at the All England Club and the erratic 27-year-old is capable of just about anything in Stuttgart.

The defending champion will still be the man to beat in Germany, where 11 of the world's top 50 are in the field at the ATP 250 event.

Russian Mikhail Youzhny has struggled on clay this year with a 4-6 win-loss record and only reached the second round at Wimbledon.

Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut has enjoyed a far more consistent year, including a semi-final appearance on the clay in Madrid.

His countryman Feliciano Lopez may have been less impressive on clay, but he comes in on the back of a strong grass-court season (12-2 win-loss).

Philipp Kohlschreiber will be eager to perform in front of his home fans once again after reaching the final last year.

Also grateful for a return to clay will be Santiago Giraldo, with the Colombian having struggled on all other surfaces in 2014.

Argentine Federico Delbonis played two matches on grass for two losses and needs to return to some form.

Fognini, if he can keep his cool, shapes as the man to beat, but he has plenty of competition from players who enjoy the clay as much as he does.

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