'That Top 10 Ceiling, It Was Fabio Who Broke It, Not Sinner,' Says Pennetta About Her Husband Fognini

Flavia Pennetta reflects on the legacy she and her husband Fabio Fognini left in Italian tennis. Between admiration, pride, and clarity, she recounts how their achievements paved the way for a new generation of champions.

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 17/12/2025 à 08h34

2 min to read

Fognini Fabio Pennetta Flavia Sinner Jannik

Former US Open winner Flavia Pennetta discussed the impact of her performances and those of her husband on Italian tennis. For her, it was Fabio Fognini who initiated a positive dynamic for the country's young players.

Fognini, retired since Wimbledon, won the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 in 2019 and reached a career-high world ranking of No. 9. A success that was not a given, especially in the era of the Big 3.

'I broke a glass ceiling for all Italian women by entering the top 10. It's no coincidence that from there, we girls opened a cycle. If Flavia made it, we can do it too, that was the message.'

'I reached my peak at the end of my career'

Similar to the effect Sinner has today on the men. But that top 10 ceiling among men, it was Fabio (Fognini), my husband, who broke it, not Jannik (Sinner). I went through a time when the female players were incredible.

Just like Fabio, who had to face Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, the best. It took me time to gain the conviction that I was on par with the generation of Serena Williams. I reached my peak at the end of my career.

I don't think I felt imposter syndrome. The level of the other players was impressive. I never lied to myself: the others were superior. There was an objective difference. I racked my brains: how can I improve? How can I beat them?', Pennetta stated to il Corriere Della Sera.