Fognini 3rd in "Dancing with the Stars": "I discovered a new Fabio"

A few months after putting away his racket, Fabio Fognini surprised everyone by shining on the dance floor of "Dancing with the Stars" in Italy.

© AFP

Clément Gehl

le 22/12/2025 à 09h40

1 min to read

Fognini Fabio Pennetta Flavia

Retired from the courts since Wimbledon, Fabio Fognini has made a name for himself in the Italian version of "Dancing with the Stars." Having come close to elimination a few weeks ago, the Italian ultimately made it to the final.

Fognini finished 3rd with dancer Giada Lini. On his social media, he first thanked his partner as well as Flavia Pennetta, his wife: "Here we are at the end of this crazy adventure. It wasn't just a simple dance, but a true inner journey.

"My wife believed in me even before I did"

I discovered a new Fabio, I took off my armor and I took on challenges that, I swear, seemed insurmountable at first. I'm going home with third place, which, given the emotions experienced and my current state, is worth a gold medal.

A huge thank you to my mentor, Giada, who guided me step by step, endured my apprehensions and turned them into energy. Thank you to my wife, Flavia Pennetta. If I decided to take on this challenge, it's only because she believed in me even before I did."