Fabio Fognini looks to add to his trophy cabinet when he faces Andrej Martin in the final of the Konzum Croatia Open Umag on Sunday. But since hoisting his last ATP World Tour title, in Vina del Mar two years ago, a lot has changed.
Last month, Fabio Fognini wed former WTA player Flavia Pennetta in a lavish ceremony in Ostuni, Italy.
“It was a super happy moment,” he told ATPWorldtour.com in an exclusive interview. “I think Flavia was a little more nervous than me, but I remember we had a really nice day and the party was very good. The memory of that day is precious to us and it’s something that I will remember all my life.
“I feel very fortunate to have Flavia by my side. She knows better than anyone all the work that goes with tennis, she understands when you need some time. The truth is that she is a huge help.”
After some time away from action due to injuries, Fognini says “Now I am happy and I’m working well again. Like with everything in life, finding this consistency requires a process and I think it will take a little while. But I feel good on and off the court, so I hope I can finish the season well.
“I have to accept it, know that this is a difficult year. I have to keep fighting and battling and we’ll see where it gets me by the end of the year.”
Now a refocused and healthy Fognini plays in his 11th tour-level final, bidding for his fourth crown (2013 Stuttgart, ‘13 Hamburg, ’14 Vina del Mar).
“Since my wedding I’ve had a little more stability. I wanted to disconnect and get back to training hard. It always pays off… I know that hard work will deliver.”
