Thompson looked down and out after losing the first two sets in their Wednesday night clash but he scrapped his way to level the match, which went past midnight on Margaret Court Arena on Wednesday.

The pair went toe to toe before Fognini took the win 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 3-6 4-6 7-6 (10-4), with the players out on court for four hours and five minutes.

Thompson showed his courage as he saved four match points in the final set - two at 4-5 and then another two at 5-6 - but it was ultimately in vain.

The frustration for Fognini was evident, his knuckles left reddened after repeatedly punching his racquet.

Despite tallying 77 unforced errors, he took the early lead in the tie-break and was never headed.

Fognini had already pushed through a five-set match in round one, which was also decided in a super tie-breaker, and next faces Argentine 22nd seed Guido Pella.

The result equalled world No.66 Thompson's previous best result at Melbourne Park, also reaching round two last year.

Australian Associated Press