Turin, 13 July (LaPresse) – "One thing is certain: my connection with tennis does not end here. See you soon, tennis. See you soon, my lover.‘ Fabio Fognini wrote this in a message posted on Instagram a few days after announcing his retirement from competitive tennis. ’The moment has come that, deep down, I knew would come, even if part of me hoped it would never happen,‘ admitted the now former Ligurian player. ’The decision was not easy, but I feel that this is the right time. TENNIS has been my universe: it has shaped me, made me grow, taught me resilience, strength and patience, both in victory and defeat. It has given me much more than I could ever have imagined and for that I will always be grateful." In his message, Fognini thanks all the people who have accompanied him on this journey, both on and off the court. ‘Thank you to all the coaches, collaborators and sponsors who have accompanied me along the way; thank you to my friends and everyone who has supported me, in the exciting days and in the most difficult ones. Your affection has made this journey unforgettable,’ he emphasised. "And then there is my family, the pillar of all my successes. Thank you, Mum and Dad: without you, none of this would have been possible. And to my little sister, thank you for always being my number one fan.‘ He also had a special thought for his wife Flavia Pennetta, ’the woman, mother and life partner I have always dreamed of. You have been, are and will always be my rock. Thank you for giving me a dream family: three wonderful little ones who are my reason for living.‘ Fognini closes this ’important chapter‘ of his life, he writes, ’with a heart full of joy, proud of the path I have taken and curious to discover what the future holds for me. One thing is certain: my bond with tennis does not end here. See you soon, tennis. See you soon, my lover."
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