Fabio Fognini came from behind to beat second-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in three sets in the final of the ATP tournament in Stuttgart on Sunday for his first career title.

The fifth-seeded Italian won 5-7 6-4 6-4 on the sun-drenched claycourt after taking a decisive 4-1 lead in the final set.

Fognini lost his first two career finals last year and went into the match with a 0-2 record against Kohlschreiber. Although he could not capitalise on an early break in the first set, Fognini took a 3-1 lead in the second. Kohlschreiber saved four set points in the eighth game before Fognini served out the set.

Fognini led 4-1 before dropping serve in the third. He held on and became the first Italian champion in Stuttgart.