Fabio Fognini, the flamboyant Italian tennis star known for his fiery temper and magical shot-making, has hung up his racket and traded Centre Court for the dance floor. The 39-year-old retired from professional tennis after being urged to do so by seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe during the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. Fognini’s stunning performance against world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the first round captivated the crowd and left McEnroe, working as a BBC commentator, in awe. “This was the perfect ending for Fognini,” McEnroe said. “Luckily for Alcaraz, towards the end of the fourth set, the crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievable. Carlos looked more tired than Fognini even though there’s a 16-year age gap! What in the hell is going on here? So the crowd started rallying behind Alcaraz and that picked him up a little bit. I almost hope that [Fognini] doesn’t play anymore because I’m not sure he can play any better than that.”
Fognini’s wife, Flavia Pennetta, the 2015 US Open champion who retired from tennis herself in 2015, agreed with McEnroe’s assessment. “I hope he finishes with the wonderful feelings of the match with Alcaraz. He was very good, I am proud; for me it is as if he had won. If he were to continue he would risk ruining that moment,” Pennetta told Corriere della Sera. She added that while Fognini would ask for her advice in his own way, the final decision was his.
Just weeks after that Wimbledon match, Fognini announced his retirement from professional tennis. But instead of fading into obscurity, he took on an unexpected new challenge: competing on the Italian version of Dancing With the Stars. Fognini placed third in the competition, which aired in late 2023. He described the experience as transformative. “I learned a new job because, in the end, it was my job for three months. I met fantastic people and presented myself in a way that was unfamiliar. And as if that weren’t enough, I also won, so I’m happy to show that side of Fabio Fognini that few knew,” he said. He added, “It wasn’t just dance; it was a journey within myself. I’ve discovered a new Fabio, I’ve taken off the armour. Third place is worth a gold medal. My wife Flavia Pennetta believed in it before I did.”
Fognini’s career was one of immense talent, punctuated by highs and lows. He won nine ATP singles titles, including the 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters, a Masters 1000 event. He also reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 9 in 2019 and claimed nine doubles titles. Known as a crowd favourite for his creative shot-making and emotional outbursts, he retired with over $17 million in prize money. His best Grand Slam performance came at the 2011 French Open, where he reached the fourth round. In doubles, he won the Australian Open mixed doubles title in 2024 with Sara Errani.
His marriage to Pennetta, who famously proposed to him after winning the 2015 US Open, produced three children: a son and two daughters. The couple lives in Italy, where Fognini continues to be involved in tennis as a coach and commentator. He has also expressed interest in playing occasional exhibition matches.
Fognini’s decision to retire after the Alcaraz match was widely praised. The match itself was a classic: Fognini took the second and fourth sets, forcing a fifth-set tiebreak that Alcaraz finally won 10-7. The crowd at Court 1 was on its feet, and Fognini received a standing ovation. It was a fitting farewell for a player who had given so much to the sport.
McEnroe’s comment that Fognini could not play any better than that reflects the Italian’s peak performance level. At his best, Fognini could beat almost anyone. He had wins over Rafael Nadal (three times, including on clay in 2015), Novak Djokovic (once, at the 2014 US Open), and Roger Federer (once, at the 2015 Australian Open). His game was based on incredible court coverage, a lethal backhand, and the ability to hit winners from any position.
Fognini also represented Italy in Davis Cup, leading the team to the semifinals in 2014. He was a key member of the Italian squad that won the ATP Cup in 2021. His explosive personality made him a polarizing figure, but his colleagues and opponents respected his talent.
Now, with his new career in dance, Fognini has shown a softer, more introspective side. The physical demands of dance training helped him stay fit while transitioning away from professional sport. He is expected to appear on Italian television more frequently, and perhaps even take up acting or coaching.
Flavia Pennetta, who ended her career on the highest note possible by winning the US Open in 2015, has been a supportive partner throughout. She knows the difficulty of leaving the game behind. In her interview, she said, “It’s hard to say goodbye. But when you find something else that makes you happy, it becomes easier. Fabio has found that in dance.”
Fognini’s journey from tennis star to dancer is remarkable, but it is also a testament to his willingness to reinvent himself. Many athletes struggle after retirement, but Fognini has embraced the change. He has already hinted at writing a memoir about his career and family life.
The world of tennis will remember him for his artistry on court and his colourful personality. Wimbledon, in particular, will miss his presence. The championships are always richer when Fognini is in the draw, ready to produce moments of sheer brilliance or controversy. His match against Alcaraz will be remembered as one of the great first-round encounters in recent history.
As for his new life, Fognini appears content. “I’ve taken off the armour,” he said. “People saw me one way on the court, but I am more than that. Dancing allowed me to show my vulnerability and my joy. It was a beautiful ending to a difficult chapter.”
Source:Express.co.uk News