Fognini confesses the 'thorn' that remains in his career after retiring

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Fabio Fognini is one of the tennis players who hung up his racket in 2025. The Italian did so after playing one of his best matches in his final stage in the first round of Wimbledon against Carlos Alcaraz, whom he pushed to five sets. In that match, he once again showed his virtuosity and innate talent, but one that never had the necessary continuity. 

Fognini reached number nine in the world, won the Monte Carlo title in 2019, and defeated Rafa Nadal four times. However, he will always be remembered for his aesthetically pleasing and promising tennis, but one that was never complemented by his strong character. Now, the Italian speaks as a former tennis player and with a different perspective since stepping out of the circuit. The San Remo native spoke about what sets him apart from Jannik Sinner, his strong character that hindered him at times in his career, and his frustration at never having been a Davis Cup champion with Italy, in statements collected by Eurosport.

He is very different from Jannik Sinner

"Sinner is the best in the world; of course, I would sign up to be him if given the chance. But Jannik would also consider living as Fabio. What do I have that Jannik doesn’t? I have spontaneity, I am very temperamental. I tell you things directly to your face. But it is difficult to compare us; we are completely different personalities."

He Hasn’t Picked Up a Racket Since Retiring

"I follow everything that happens in tennis, but I have not played since then. I shared the court with the greats of tennis, reaching the ninth position, which was my dream come true. Those who love me do so because they know me. Those who hate me only know me on the court, but not off it."

His Volatile Character Played Tricks on Him,  Both Personally and Financially

"I could have earned much more money playing tennis, but I paid many fines due to my bad temper. Throughout my career, I lost half a million euros, and I paid the highest fine at the US Open: $96,000. I am often compared to the footballer Mario Balotelli, and I know why we are compared: both of us have strong temperaments and have not fully seized our careers."

Fabio Fognini Admits That the 'Thorn' of the Davis Cup Will Always Accompany Him

"I did not participate in any Davis Cup victories, and it was still my dream. Why was I left out? I don’t know, ask coach Volandri. They never explained it to me, although I did not argue with anyone," laments Fabio Fognini, who, despite never lifting the trophy, bid farewell to tennis with nine titles to his name.
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fognini confiesa la "espinita" que se le queda en su carrera después de retirarse