“I still love the competition” – Fabio Fognini on what keeps him going and goals for ’25

Three months shy of turning 38, Fabio Fognini explains why he is still chasing the dream on the ATP Tour.

Fabio Fognini UTS Guadalajara

February 13, 2025

Ahead of his appearance at UTS Guadalajara this weekend, Fabio Fognini talked to reporters about his current ambitions in the sport.

The former world No 9 (currently 94) had to miss the Australian Open due to and injury to his left foot this year, and he is eager to get back on court to test his body against elite competition once again.

for sure the goal is still to be playing the main draws of the Grand Slam events.

“I’m happy to be on court again, that’s the first thing I would like to say,” he told reporters in Guadalajara on Thursday. “I was injured before the Australian Open, so I could not compete. It’s already one and a half months, so it’s a good test for my body to see what percentage I am.”

Fognini will compete in Group A in Guadalara, along with Casper Ruud, Richard Gasquet and Adrian Mannarino. Two days of action begins on Friday, February 14th with the UTS All Star Game at 5PM, followed by four matches. Saturday will feature a day session and a night session, each complete with four matches.

It’s all about competing at the majors

Fognini, who will turn 38 on May 24, says that he’s still continuing on tour because he longs for the competition. The nine-time ATP titlist says he enjoys the tournaments more than the practice – provided he is healthy enough.

“My first goal, at 37, almost 38, is trying to be fit as much as I can because at this time of my career the body is more important than points and the tournaments and everything, but yes for sure the goal is still to be playing the main draws of the Grand Slam events.”

“Mostly because I like the competition,” he said. “Outside the competition I start to be a little bit tired, because our sport is like routine, routine, routine every day, but yes, I still love the competition.”