Fabio Fognini admits his career as a tennis player is approaching its end but he is determined to make the most of what is left.
This week the former world No.9 achieved a new milestone by recording his 400th Tour win at the Hamburg Open, becoming only the 14th active player and the first Italian man in the Open Era to do so. Fognini made his tour debut back in 2005 at the Palermo Open but he didn’t win his first match until the following year at the Amersfoort Open in the Netherlands. During his career, he has won nine ATP titles with the most prestigious being the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters. It was during that year that he became the oldest player to break into the world’s top 10 for the first time at the age of 32.
However, in recent months the 35-year-old has experienced a roller-coaster run with a series of mixed results. So far this season he has reached the semi-finals of tournaments in Belgrade and Rio de Janeiro. However, he hasn’t won back-to-back main draw matches since April. A streak he could end in Hamburg on Thursday should he defeat seventh seed Karen Khachanov in his second round match.
“With COVID-19 and injuries, this has been the tougher period of my career,” said Fognini. “Because after all the victories, the bad matches, the good matches, the trophies that I won, I’m more at the end of my career than before.”
According to this week’s Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Fognini is the seventh oldest player in the world’s top 100. The oldest is John Isner who is 37. Known for his at times fiery behaviour on the court, he has been continuously ranked in the world’s top 100 since April 2009.
“My biggest dream is now to try and enjoy as before, running without pain, fighting to the end — and then decide when it’s time for the family. I know it’s going to be difficult, but let’s see. Let’s see.” He continued.
Looking back on his career, he admits he never expected to reach the 400-win mark when he was younger. Even though he enjoyed a strong performance on the junior circuit where he reached a high of eighth in the world.
“I’m 35 and, looking back, I have to say this is a great milestone achievement for me. For sure, I am happy.” Fognini concluded.
