Fabio Fognini (San Remo, 1987) is training on one of Wimbledon's exterior clues. Turn your head and see leaning on the fence to Carlos Alcarazhis first round rival. Ferrero He shouts “give it there” and the transalpine nailed a rest to the line. “I am going to play in the game,” replies the Italian, awakening the laughs among those present.
The interview, granted to EFE and the newspaper AS at the exit of training, occurs thanks to the help of Fognini's woman, the 2015 US Open champion, Flavia Pennettathat immediately responds that before the request.
The Italian, a all -winter champion and with spectacular victories against Rafael Nadal In his career, he tells in the talk his good relationship with Alcaraz, the anecdote of his children, who would not have come to see his father's last Wimbledon if it had not been for the Murcian, and how the circle has closed fifteen years later: his first game in the cathedral was against Roger Federer In 2012 and perhaps the last one will be against Alcaraz on Monday.
Q: What did he think when he saw the raffle and who played with Alcaraz?
A: Honestly, happy. Because with everything I have done, playing here against Carlitos is worth it. Central, against the most in the shape of the circuit, the current champion. It could not happen better. If we talk about tennis, to win games and this, obviously I would have liked to play with him a little later.
Q: This is a kind of reward for your career.
A: Exactly, I see it. I know him well, even if he is quite young and what he is achieving with Jannik is like seeing my time a bit. Roger's time, Rafa, Nole. At this time it is a beautiful reward. I hope enjoying the maximum I can and play a good game. That is the most important thing.
Q: Do you think more about winning than enjoying?
A: I always said that the good ones, also in my time, Rafa, Roger and Nole, it was better to find them at the beginning of the tournament. Because they just started and, well, he comes from winning Queen's, is the best at this time, but to this type of players better find them now. The first game is always complicated and I obviously have nothing to lose and my goal is to enjoy it and show what I can play. I would like even more because it is such a scenario I would love.
Q: What will be the tactic?
A: With these guys there is little to think, but really two days ago when the painting came out, my son calls me and says “Did you see dad? You play with Carlitos”, and I said: “Do you want to come?” And Flavia (Pennetta) with the children came to London. Now when we have found ourselves on the clues I have told him “Do not greet him, look at him bad that he is my adversary tomorrow.”
Q: If it hadn't been against Carlos, wouldn't they come?
A: I think not, because in addition to Jannik, who is Italian, the one who likes my son Federico is Carlitos. For them it is something they will remember. With Carlitos I get along very well, I have played twice in Rio.
Q: Is it a disadvantage that they can train on the central track and you don't?
A: Of course, yesterday they gave me stadium two and it's different. I do not imagine how the central should be, because it is brand new.
Q: Have you ever played?
A: Yes, in fact look, my first game at the Wimbledon central went against Roger and tomorrow can be the last against Carlitos, so the circle closes.
Q: Is this your last Wimbledon?
A: Last Wimbledon surely. Then we have to think well. Next year it is still very far. I don't know how I am going to finish this, I am physically suffering with my feet, but well. Start with Carlitos, who have a very good relationship with him … well, not only with him, with his agent, with Juan Carlos, with all who take him. I have very good 'feeling'.
Q: It actually has a good 'feeling with Spanish tennis, because it has had a past related to Spain.
A: It's my second home. I have been in Barcelona ten years and the truth is that I have it in my heart.
Q: Before there was talk of the Spanish Navy for the amount of Spaniards there were and now it is the Italians who dominate, have you named him?
A: “The Nroazurra armata” (laughs). No, I don't know. The truth is that we are in the best period in the history of Italian tennis, with Jannik, Lorenzo (Musetti), with very good young people behind. You can't ask for more. We were only one or two and now we are many and that is the best thing that can happen.
