“I’m definitely not like the perfect guy,” Fabio Fognini dismisses all comparisons to Jannik Sinner as he continues to play despite facing many hardships

Italian tennis has always been on top of the sport. From Adriano Panatta to Jannik Sinner, the country has produced some incredible talents. However, while the world looks at these talents, a few players go unnoticed as they struggle with their demons. 

Fabio Fognini, a player who once skyrocketed in the sport, was unable to keep up with the pressure and soon fell outside the Top 100. He agreed to have made mistakes and faced the consequences of the same to be where he is now. 

Contrasting with Jannik Sinner, who was heralded perfect in many ways, the Italian hailed himself as an imperfect player who loves the sport. He embraced his flaws and recognized himself as a player that you love or hate. 

I am proud of my career, for better and for worse. I have made mistakes and paid the consequences, but I believe that is part of every human being's life. I'm definitely not like Sinner: he's the perfect guy that everyone likes. Me, I am the imperfect one that you love or hate.

said Fabio Fognini on Ubitennis

Nonetheless, the Italian continues to play tennis and has started brilliantly at the French Open. He beat Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets to set up a great second-round clash in the tournament. 

Fabio Fognini recalls the dark past that almost made him retire from Tennis

Fabio Fognini, had to deal with his internal demons while on the road to recovery and search for form. Even in the darkest of pits, the Italian revealed that his love for the sport got him back and running for a few wins. 

Now we have to face reality and what's done is done. I continue to play because I love the sport and I enjoy the competition. I was on the verge of saying goodbye. I went through a sad and difficult time. 

added Fabio Fognini

The Italian has started to get a few wins under his belt and even made it into the Top 100 recently. Now, he takes on American pro Tommy Paul in the second round to try and cause an upset early on. Extreme pressure to do well, but Fognini, who has done it before, will try to do better this time.

In Case You Missed It:

• “I don’t get too jealous of my friends,” Emma Raducanu opens up about the importance of discipline in a player
• “I wouldn’t have played against him because everybody loses,” Boris Becker picks the player he would never want to face in Grand Slam finals 

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