Recently claiming his 400th career ATP Tour victory, Italian legend Fabio Fognini admitted that he knows his career is coming to an end.
At 35 years old, the Italian has enjoyed a long-lasting career near the top of men's professional tennis. Some career highlights include reaching his career-best ranking of number 9 in the world (2019), as well as playing in the Roland Garros quarter-final in 2011.
A fan favourite and a player who never fails to entertain on the courts, Fognini has the reputation for bringing his Italian flair to the tour, often translating his passion for the game into outbursts or making his opinion known.
However, all this may soon be coming to an end for the man from Arma di Taggia. Fognini, having claimed his 400th ATP Tour victory over Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene (6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5)), spoke post-match, admitting that his days as a professional tennis player could be numbered:
"With the Covid-19 pandemic and physical problems, this has been the most difficult period of my sporting career. After all the triumphs, the good games, the bad ones and the tournaments I have won, I can say that I am closing the final part of my career."
Going on to speak about his hopes for the near future, the Italian focused on playing injury-free:
"My biggest dream is to have fun again: running without pain and fighting to the end. I will decide when it is time to leave everything and fully dedicate myself to my family. I know it will be a very difficult moment, but we'll see what happens."
Reflecting on his achievement, Fognini admitted that 400 wins at ATP Tour level was something he had never even focused on when first starting out as a professional:
"400 victories? I never imagined at the beginning of my career I would get to this point. I am 35 years old and, looking back, I have to say that this is a great achievement for me. I can certainly say that I am very happy."