Fabio Fognini: "I hope my son doesn't play tennis"
Fabio Fognini spoke about life on tour in a remarkable interview with l'Ultimo Uomo. And why he didn't want this life for his son.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Apr 08, 2023, 06:23 pm
Fabio Fognini is currently only a marginal figure on the ATP tour. The Italian, who is getting on in years and has bad luck with injuries, is just within the top 100 of the ATP world rankings. In the 2023 calendar year, however, the 35-year-old has only two wins to his credit. Also in Estoril, on his favorite surface, Fognini did not achieve two victories in a row.
In the autumn of his career, repeatedly confronted with concrete thoughts of resignation, the Italian spoke in an interesting interview about his life on the tour. "It's a beautiful life, but it's also difficult. I've always said it, even if it sounds bad: I hope my son won't play tennis. Because I know what I've done, the victims, mine father brought," said the Italian.
Fognini and the mistakes
Not that he himself would not be willing to make these sacrifices for his children: "But at the same time it is difficult, because if you want to try to surpass yourself, you have to show a lot of dedication in our sport," said the 35-year-old . It is a very nice life, but at the same time one that is associated with many difficulties.
It wasn't always easy for him himself, and the Italian's behavior on the pitch didn't always make for positive headlines. And yet the 35-year-old is particularly proud of one thing: that he has never changed. "I've always been myself, regardless of the results, the popularity, the news and everything that surrounds me. And I'm proud of that because I think it's important."
"I'll be honest: I would do everything I did the same way again. I have no regrets," said the Italian. "I've made my mistakes like everyone else has made and I'm aware of them. Of course, in some cases I would do things differently, as anyone would if they could go back," said Fognini. "But they were all reasons for inner growth and for life experiences. I believe that mistakes are part of life. Without mistakes there is no growth."