Italian tennis player names main rival
Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini recently shared his thoughts on the current state of the game and the players he sees as his main competition. In an interview with a local Italian news outlet, Fognini named a fellow Italian as his main rival, someone who he believes is the biggest threat in the tennis world.
Fognini, known for his fiery personality on the court, has been making waves in the tennis world ever since his breakthrough win at the 2013 Hamburg Open. He has since become a consistent presence in the top 20 rankings and has won multiple ATP titles, including his biggest victory at the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters.
In the interview, Fognini spoke about his relationship with his fellow Italian players and how it affects his mentality on the court. He mentioned that playing against them can bring out the best in him, but also acknowledged that it can be challenging to face off against someone who is like a brother to him.
When asked about who he sees as his main rival, Fognini did not hesitate to name his close friend and compatriot, Matteo Berrettini. The two have been friends since their junior days and have often been seen supporting each other at tournaments. Fognini praised Berrettini’s game and highlighted his strong serve and powerful forehand as his biggest assets. He also mentioned that Berrettini’s recent surge in the rankings, breaking into the top 10 for the first time, has motivated him to push himself even harder.
Berrettini, who is four years younger than Fognini, has indeed been on a roll in the past year. He reached the semi-finals of the US Open in 2019, his best Grand Slam result to date, and followed it up with an ATP Finals appearance. He has also won three ATP titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 8 in the world.
While Fognini sees Berrettini as his main competition, he also acknowledged the other players who are currently dominating the tennis world. He highlighted the «Big Three» of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic as the top players who have consistently been at the top of their game for over a decade. He also mentioned the younger generation of players, including Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev, as potential rivals in the future.
Fognini’s choice of Berrettini as his main rival is not surprising, considering their close relationship. The two have a similar playing style, which could explain why they have often found themselves on opposite sides of the net in tournaments. But it is also clear that Fognini’s respect and admiration for Berrettini’s game and achievements played a significant role in his decision.
As for Berrettini, he also sees Fognini as one of his biggest rivals on the tour. In a recent interview, he mentioned that Fognini has always been a mentor and a big brother figure to him and that they push each other to become better players.
While Fognini and Berrettini may have a friendly rivalry, there is no doubt that they are both determined to succeed on the court. Their competitive spirit and camaraderie could potentially lead to exciting and intense matches between the two in the future.
In conclusion, Fognini’s choice of Matteo Berrettini as his main rival showcases the strong bond and camaraderie between the Italian players. It also highlights the immense talent and potential of Berrettini, who has quickly risen through the ranks and proven himself as a formidable opponent. As the tennis world looks towards a new generation of players, it will be interesting to see how Fognini and Berrettini’s relationship evolves both on and off the court.
