Fognini still enjoying the spotlight, from dancing shoes to Tenerife Challenger visit

Challenger

Fognini still enjoying the spotlight, from dancing shoes to Tenerife Challenger visit

The Italian played in exho at Tenerife Challenger on Sunday

Sophia Lavrov/MEF Tennis Events

Fabio Fognini at the Tenerife Challenger 2. By ATP Staff

Fabio Fognini made a special appearance at the Tenerife Challenger 2 this past weekend, sharing smiles and laughs in front of a full crowd while playing in an exhibition match.

The former No. 9 player in PIF ATP Rankings attended Sunday’s final in Tenerife — won by Lloyd Harris — and took time to reflect on his life since retiring from pro tennis in July.

“After Wimbledon, I took two months completely off on holiday,” Fognini told the Tenerife Challenger media team. “Then I started on ‘Dancing With The Stars’, so now I’m ready to dance also outside the court,” he added with a laugh.

A nine-time ATP Tour titlist, Fognini used the ATP Challenger circuit as a launchpad in the early days of his career, winning his first title at that level as a 21-year-old in 2008. The Italian also competed in select Challenger tournaments throughout his final three years on Tour.

Fognini spoke highly of the competition at ATP Challenger level, noting the clash between hungry young talent and Tour veterans.

“They are really tough,” Fognini said of ATP Challenger tournaments. “There are some young guys who are dreaming to go up the rankings and guys like me — trying to move up. I dropped a bit, had so many injuries, so fighting with the young guys is difficult. The level is really, really high.”

Fognini, a fans' favourite who loved to entertain with his shotmaking ability and off-court flair, announced his retirement at Wimbledon last year following a five-set first-round loss to Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian ended his career holding a 426-396 match record, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

How is Fognini doing since retiring?

“When you do this sport for 20 — and maybe more — years, the first step is missing the competition, I miss [playing],” he said. “I didn’t regret anything, so I’m happy to be here."

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