Tennis athlete Fabio Fognini suggests this year could be his retirement season.
Farewell to the King of ClayItalian tennis sensation Fabio Fognini has dropped a bombshell, hinting at his retirement this year. While discussing his preparations for the first-round match at the "Masters" in Rome, the 37-year-old, known as the 'King of Clay,' revealed that he will play on the Italian capital's courts for the last time. Garning attention, Fognini's opponent in the opening round of the esteemed tournament is none other than the 57th-ranked British player Jack Draper.
Throughout the 2025 season, Fognini has managed to secure victories in only three of the eleven matches he's played. Holding a distinguished career on clay courts, it's important to understand the significant impact this surface has played in Fognini's achievements.
A Career Built on Clay
Having amassed an impressive win-loss ratio of 471 victories to 281 defeats on clay, Fognini's strongest surface by a significant margin is undeniably this one[2][4]. His performance in the 2025 season so far reveals a 2-5 record on clay, which contributes to his overall 3-8 record across all surfaces[2].
Notable Accomplishments
Fognini's most remarkable performance on a high-level clay tournament was reaching the quarterfinals at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome in 2018, one of the premier ATP Masters 1000 clay events[1][2]. Having made appearances in Rome since his debut in 2006, Fognini boasts a 16-17 record there, with the 2025 edition marking his final appearance at this influential clay tournament[1].
Perhaps unsurprisingly, 59% of Fognini's ATP points have been accrued from clay court events, solidifying his status as a clay court specialist[5].
A Legend's Swansong
As the 2025 season unfolds, many fans and players alike will reflect on the imminent conclusion of a remarkable career that has captivated tennis enthusiasts for years. From his charisma to his exceptional technical execution of shots, Fognini has served as an inspiration to tennis players and fans worldwide[1]. As he takes to the clay courts for the last time, one thing is certain: the 'King of Clay' will always reign supreme in the annals of tennis history.
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- Despite announcing his retirement this year, Fabio Fognini, affectionately known as the 'King of Clay', will continue to showcase his peculiarities and beautiful tennis skills on clay courts, such as at the upcoming "Masters" in Rome, where he will face 57th-ranked British player Jack Draper.
- Throughout his career, Fognini has accrued an impressive 471 victories to 281 defeats on clay, which emphasizes that this surface has been the backbone of his achievements, with his 2-5 record on clay in the 2025 season contributing to his overall 3-8 record across all surfaces.
- In addition to reaching the quarterfinals at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome in 2018, making 16 appearances in the tournament since his debut in 2006, and boasting a 16-17 record at the event, Fognini can be considered a clay court specialist, as 59% of his ATP points have been earned from clay court events.
- As Novak Djokovic asserts that he might be the best, but Roger Federer has left an indelible mark on tennis, Fognini also leaves his own unique impact, having captivated tennis enthusiasts for years with his charisma, exceptional technical execution of shots, and unparalleled success on clay courts.
