Playing on the home ground is always overwhelming. The Italians sure know how to cheer their No 1. The home hero does not the same way about the “conditions” in the Italian Capital. Fabio Fognini showed great dissatisfaction after his defeat against the Next Gen Star Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-3.
This vocal Italian is well known for his on-court shenanigans and perpetual dissatisfaction with the authorities and their decisions. Thursday’s match witnessed yet another one of his colorful performance. This match was after Fognini defeated the World No.1 and became the audience’s darling.
In the second set when Zverer was leading 2-0, there was some controversy as Fognini wasn’t happy with umpire Mohamed Lahyani’s call. It looked like Zverev’s serve landed in and that clearly affected Fognini. The call was spot on. The umpire shouted at Fognini, “stop talking, enough” and issued him a warning for firing a ball into the crowd.
Later during the press conference, Fognini said, “He [Lahyani] did a bad thing, he called in a Zverev’s shot that was out. It’s a pity because I was up 40-15 when he was 5-3. I would have liked to go on 4-5, the wind would have favored me”.
Fognini went on to say that his opponent played “a better tennis for sure”. “The condition were better for him today. I think this combination of things was the key.” At the conclusion of the match shouted at the umpire “You are a fucking arrogant, we will talk later.”
He slammed the organisers as well, saying that they never listen to his scheduling demands.
“ I would have liked to play at night, but here in Rome when you ask a thing they always do the contrary. The truth is that the condition facilitated Zverev, as at this time the court is faster”
Has Fognini cried wolf too many times to be taken seriously even when he stakes are high? It sure feels like the World has conspired against the rise of this Italian. This extremely talented player always seems to find himself in enough trouble to smudge off his good work.
In other news, Fognini welcomes his first son with his wife Flavia Pennetta today. The news was announced on twitter. “Fabio and I are happy to share with you the birth of our son Frederick,” wrote Pennetta. Now it wasn’t such a bad week after all!
