Italian tennis star Fabio Fognini has officially announced that this year’s ATP Masters 1000 in Rome will be the final Masters 1000 event of his career. The 37-year-old, known for his fiery personality, brilliant shot-making, and passionate connection (or confrontations) with fans, revealed the news during a press conference ahead of the tournament’s opening rounds.
A Career Full of Highlights
Fognini turned professional in 2004 and became one of Italy’s most successful tennis players in the Open Era. In July 2019, he reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 9. The same year, he claimed his biggest career title, at the Monte-Carlo Masters, becoming the first Italian man to win a Masters 1000 event since the series was established.
Known for his dynamic playing style, deft touch, and ability to pull off audacious winners from impossible positions, Fognini has claimed nine ATP singles titles throughout his career. He also played a crucial role in Italy’s Davis Cup campaigns and remained a crowd favourite for his charisma, candid interviews, and entertaining on-court antics.
While Fognini has not confirmed whether this marks his complete retirement from professional tennis, he did indicate that his time competing at the sport’s highest levels is nearing its conclusion.
The 2025 Rome Masters will be an emotional occasion for Fognini and Italian tennis fans. Organisers have already hinted at plans for a special tribute during the tournament to honour his contributions to the sport in Italy and beyond.
Fognini, granted a wild card for this week, is set to compete against Jacob Fearnley in the opening round on Thursday and is looking for his first win at the Tour level since last October. Should he progress, he would go up against fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini in the second round.
A Legacy Beyond Titles
Though his career has seen ups and downs, including injuries and moments of controversy, Fognini leaves a lasting legacy as a trailblazer for Italian men’s tennis. His success helped pave the way for a new generation of Italian talent, including Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, who have cited Fognini as an inspiration.
As the curtain falls on Fabio Fognini’s Masters 1000 journey, tennis fans will savour one final opportunity to witness his artistry on Rome’s famous red clay–a fitting stage for a farewell worthy of one of Italy’s modern tennis icons.
Main Photo Credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
