"Fabio played a very important role in my development," Cobolli pays tribute to Fognini
Currently competing at the Hopman Cup where he represents Italy alongside Lucia Bronzetti, Flavio Cobolli helped secure his country's spot in the final, which will take place on Sunday.
During a press conference after Friday's match against France, Cobolli, ranked 19th in the world, was asked about Fabio Fognini, who announced his immediate retirement just days after playing his final match in the first round of Wimbledon against Carlos Alcaraz.
The 23-year-old player also paid tribute to Fognini, a 38-year-old former top 10 player, on the court after the match against the French team, a gesture that was warmly received by the spectators at the Center Court in Bari.
"I’ve always said that Fabio (Fognini) played a very important role in my development, not just as a tennis player but also as a person. I’ve always held him in high regard, and it felt right to honor him, especially in Italy and for everything he’s achieved in his career.
I have a very good relationship with him. I think it was a gesture that was appreciated both by him and by the crowd. I believe it was important to pay tribute to him," Cobolli told Tennis World Italia.
