“I was number 9 in the world, but those are just numbers”

At 37, Fabio Fognini is still racing. The whimsical Italian player is still in the top 100 (91st in the ATP ranking) and intends to enjoy the end of his career.

In an interview with the Spanish media Relevo, the winner of the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 in 2019 spoke in detail about his relationship with tennis.

“It’s certain that tennis has always been part of my life, it’s my job. He gave me more than I could have imagined, but in the end, it’s still just a game.

Yes, you earn a lot of money, you are famous, but it’s just a game. I know all the sacrifices I had to make for tennis.

One day I was number 9 in the world, but those are just numbers. In the end, records are made to be broken, nothing more,” explains Fognini.

The Italian, who has won nine titles in his career, also talks about his character and his outspokenness which characterize him.

“I am someone who has a temper that is sometimes difficult to manage. But I never hid. In life, when someone makes a mistake, they must face the consequences.

In my work, that’s what I’ve always done: the bad boy label, all the fines I’ve paid… What’s certain is that no one is perfect.

Asking for forgiveness is the first step in admitting you did wrong. Apologizing is a value, and there is no shame in doing so. I tried to add passion in everything I did,” he concluded.