Fognini opens up about mental health: "Throughout my career, I've had panic attacks"

In an interview with Relevo, 37-year-old Fabio Fognini, winner of the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters 1000, spoke about the subject of mental health in tennis.

This remains a sensitive subject, even if it has been addressed a little more in recent months, notably by Naomi Osaka on the WTA circuit.

"I think it's a theme that's underestimated, when in fact it's a fundamental issue. People are still afraid to acknowledge these kinds of problems.

Throughout my career, I've had panic attacks, but I'm not ashamed of them. They're nasty, but in reality they're rich in information.

I've always tried to ask for help, to look for solutions. Yes, I became a professional tennis player, but I wasn't satisfied with real life.

All this has to be faced without fear. With determination, because it's not shameful to talk about it," he says.