Invited by the organizers, Fognini confides: "Rome is special for me".

Fabio Fognini is not just any player. The Italian, who is celebrating his 37th birthday, has seen it all in his career. A professional tennis player for 20 years, Fognini has experienced the hegemony of the "big 4" as well as the emergence of the "next gen". The man who for so long has carried a somewhat moribund Italian tennis scene at arm's length, has already begun to pass the torch. Although he is approaching the twilight of his career, the Transalpine remains one of the most iconic players in Italian tennis.

As he faces one of his last tournaments in Rome, the right-hander, invited by the organizers, arrives with a little more confidence. After a very difficult 2023 season, he has returned to the world's top 100 (ranked 92nd) and hopes to thrill his fans once again. What's certain is that the winner of Monte-Carlo 2019 is likely to set the mood. It's no secret that Fognini loves playing at home, and could well test the nerves of a few players.

So, as he kicks off his tournament against Daniel Evans this Wednesday, a match that will have the honor of the night session (not before 7pm), he wants to make the most of his time in the Eternal City: "It's the truth. Rome is special to me in every way. I'm here, and I'm going to try and make the most of it. [...] It excites me (playing at home). A full stadium is priceless. [...] I know my opponent (Dan Evans) and he knows me, he knows I'm a dangerous player on this surface."

Returning to his feelings, Fognini hopes to perform well in the Grand Slam despite the physical problems he has encountered in recent weeks: "Unfortunately I haven't been able to play the clay-court season continuously, but between now and Roland Garros, I just want to think positively. [...] Being physically well is the most important thing. And then, in terms of rankings, I want to be present at the Grand Slam tournaments to play continuously." (comments relayed by Ubitennis).