Retirement Fognini, now it’s official: the tennis player from Arma di Taggia spoke about it during the Internazionali d’Italia.
The withdrawal of Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini was not enough. We were also missing the rain, in fact, which spoiled the day – and the party – at a Foro Italico already terribly “tried” by the absence of the two top champions around whom everything should have revolved. An edition that was not born under a good star, that’s for sure, but one that has yet to get into full swing and that many emotions, we are sure, will reserve us from here on out.
There is a respectable parterre of tennis players, on the other hand, who will do whatever it takes to prevent spectators from regretting the two Italian favorites, who at the last minute had to give up, in spite of themselves, the chance to play on the most scenic court in the world. First and foremost is Fabio Fognini, who arrived in the Eternal City with the goal of making his audience dream and who will try his best, in light of this, to put on a show.
It’s just a pity that the rain also ruined his, of debut. The tennis player from Arma di Taggia was supposed to play on Wednesday afternoon against Daniel Evans, but the match was postponed because of, precisely, bad weather. Which, on social networks, triggered quite a bit of controversy. Even Ivan Ljubicic, Roger Federer’s former coach, pointed the finger at the organizers, highlighting the need for the theater of the Internationals to get a roof as soon as possible.
Fognini withdrawal, it’s official: the words of the Italian tennis player
But back to Fognini, who on the eve of his debut at the Italian Masters 1000 gave, between the lines, a very important announcement.
“I’ve had my aches and pains and unfortunately I couldn’t play the clay season consistently, but between now and Roland Garros I just want to think positive. Being well physically is the most important thing. And then, in terms of ranking, I want to be present in the Grand Slam tournaments to play with continuity.”
“My goals,” he told SuperTennis again, “are to play three or four tournaments in a row. Unfortunately, I have not been able to do that because of my physique, because of some aches and pains. Competition is what keeps me afloat. Losing is part of the sport, and that little detail doesn’t matter to me. Competition is what keeps me afloat. I still have that fire inside me. As long as I have that fire in me, you will have to see me for a long time to come.” No retirement on the horizon, then, although the Italian had said some time ago that this season would be crucial to his decision. For the time being, no way. Not as long as that flame remains lit.
