Fabio Fognini talked about his passion for football and the challenge to combine the life on the circuit and family in his contribution to Behind to Raquet, the website of US player Noah Rubin.
Fognini said that football is his first love, but he is happy that he has pursued a tennis career.
“My first passion was football. There were times I rather play football than tennis, buti s is tough to say that when tennis is a job now, not a sport. Football is my favourite sport and I watch as much as I can. When I was younger I decided tennis was for me. Football was amazing but tennis gave me the responsability I wanted. If I lose it is on me just like it is if I win”, said Fognini.
The second best Italian player on the ATP Ranking told that he misses his family, his home and his friends during the period when he travels around the world to play on the ATP Tour.
“The worst time of the year is between December and January, when I am really close to flying again. I have a long pre-season, see friends, some good dinners, and then I get back on the road. I always get sick days before I am about to leave. Sometimes a fever or a cough, and I just tell myself it is going to be okay. It has been like this for about ten years. It happens beacause after having the chance to stay at home, close to family and friends. It is almost like this for about ten years. It happens because after having the chance to be at home, close to family and friends. It is almost like I am part of another life. I am still practicing but to have the chance to catch up with everyone does not really happen during the season. I remember my first child being eight months old, and I were in Miami again for the season. That season was unique. I was about to fly out to Australia and I began to cry like a baby. I just could not imagine leaving them”, said Fognini.
Fognini won his maiden Masters 1000 title in Monte-Carlo. He reached the third round at the Australian Open last January. He lost three consecutive first round matches before beating Dukhee Lee in the Davis Cup tie between Italy and South Korea last January.
