<p>Italians 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.</p>.<p>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.</p>.<p>But rather than the traditional polite congratulations, the pair argued furiously in Italian for several minutes, gesturing and wagging their fingers.</p>.<p>Translations of the spat suggested firebrand Fognini told Caruso -- in colourful language -- that he had been lucky with some close calls, which Caruso took exception to.</p>.<p>Eventually the court supervisor had to step between the pair and tell them to cool off, with Caruso walking away and bowing to the crowd as he exited.</p>.<p>Fognini, who battled back from 1-5 down in the deciding tiebreak, didn't want to talk about the incident afterwards.</p>.<p>"We are good friends," he said, adding that what was said on court "stays on court".</p>.<p>"I have nothing to say about that question anymore," he added.</p>.<p>Pressed on whether he had spoken to Caruso since the match ended, he replied: "Not yet. We're going to speak, don't worry.</p>.<p>"I'll let you know. If you give me your phone, I'll text you."</p>.<p>The angry ending capped a compelling and seesawing second-round match, with Fognini's reward a clash with Australian 21st seed Alex De Minaur.</p>
<p>Italians 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.</p>.<p>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.</p>.<p>But rather than the traditional polite congratulations, the pair argued furiously in Italian for several minutes, gesturing and wagging their fingers.</p>.<p>Translations of the spat suggested firebrand Fognini told Caruso -- in colourful language -- that he had been lucky with some close calls, which Caruso took exception to.</p>.<p>Eventually the court supervisor had to step between the pair and tell them to cool off, with Caruso walking away and bowing to the crowd as he exited.</p>.<p>Fognini, who battled back from 1-5 down in the deciding tiebreak, didn't want to talk about the incident afterwards.</p>.<p>"We are good friends," he said, adding that what was said on court "stays on court".</p>.<p>"I have nothing to say about that question anymore," he added.</p>.<p>Pressed on whether he had spoken to Caruso since the match ended, he replied: "Not yet. We're going to speak, don't worry.</p>.<p>"I'll let you know. If you give me your phone, I'll text you."</p>.<p>The angry ending capped a compelling and seesawing second-round match, with Fognini's reward a clash with Australian 21st seed Alex De Minaur.</p>