“To the fans behind me for talking inappropriately about my..” Sebastian Korda sarcastically thanks ‘disrespectful’ crowd behind him as he wins a close encounter against Flavio Cobolli

Korda minced no words as he shamed abusive spectators.

“To the fans behind me for talking inappropriately about my..” Sebastian Korda sarcastically thanks ‘disrespectful’ crowd behind him as he wins a close encounter against Flavio Cobolli

Sebastian Korda (Credits: Imago)

In a match that wasn’t lacking in drama, Sebastian Korda overcame hometown hero Flavio Cobolli in his second-round match at Rome. The American was reportedly constantly heckled by the Italian crowd during the match and he returned the favor later with a celebration meant to take a jab at them. 

Italian audiences are known to flamboyantly support their players, irrespective of the sport, but the crowd in today’s match is being called out on social media for making extremely hateful comments towards Korda and also his family and team. 

This came after Korda posted his side of the story, sarcastically thanking the spectators who were saying harsh things about him and his dear ones, for providing him the motivation needed to win.

FS Video
Shoutout to the fans behind me for talking inappropriately about my girlfriend, family and team for 2.5hrs. Thank you for the extra motivation.
Sebastian Korda wrote on X

He then provided some consolation to the Italian fans, who were also appalled by the actions of their compatriots, saying he still loves them.

Hometown support was to be expected for Cobolli, but if Korda’s accusations hold true, it may call for a closer eye to be kept on the crowd and enhance the experience of the players. Many fans feel the same way, as they supported Korda, demanding the Italians to respect every player. 

Fognini thanks the Italian crowd for ‘sweet and salty’ moments while they are making headlines for all the wrong reasons

The talented Italian, Fabio Fognini, has had his ups and downs with the general public and tennis organization in his home country of Italy. Whenever he plays another Italian at home, he seems to be the underdog in terms of support.

Fabio Fognini
Fabio Fognini (Via Imago)

Last year, he was also seen displaying a sour attitude towards the Italian Davis Cup selectors for not picking him to represent the country in the prestigious event despite his good form.

Yesterday, however, the Italian crowd had his back in the Grand Stand Arena in Rome, where he battled it out against the British Davis Cupper Dan Evans. After emerging victorious in the match, Fognini took a moment to thank the crowd for the support but also for the ‘sweet and salty’ moments they produced throughout his career.

I am very happy because I played again in front of a special crowd for me--They give me sweet and salty [support] all my career, but I am happy because I got through. Every match is difficult for me now so I will just enjoy and see what happens tomorrow.
Fabio Fognini said post game

The fans had come out in large numbers to support Fognini, and the match was without drama as no one crossed the line to instigate an issue like the one in the Korda-Cobolli match.

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