Fabio Fognini has announced that this will be the last Italian Open of his career. The former world No. 9 is set to make his final appearance at his home tournament as he takes on Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in Thursday’s primetime night session. Fognini has struggled with multiple injuries over the last few years and the Masters 1000 in Rome will be his ninth tournament of the season at any level.
While he has yet to address his retirement, the 37-year-old will no doubt be close to hanging up his racket if this is his last time playing at home. Fognini had a glittering career, beating Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal multiple times, and winning the Monte-Carlo Masters.
Before the likes of Jannik Sinner, Matteo Berrettini, and Lorenzo Musetti came along, Fognini spent years flying the flag for Italian men’s tennis.
He peaked at No. 9 in the world shortly after being crowned a Masters 1000 champion in Monaco, upsetting Nadal en route to the title.
