Fabio Fognini sibylline after withdrawal at Maia tournament

Fabio Fognini, social message after retirement in Maia

Fabio Fognini è was forced, due to injury, to withdraw from playing the eighth round of the Challenger of Maia, Portugal, against Frenchman Matteo Martineau. The Ligurian tennis player had already experienced discomfort during the first round against Gentzsch, but only close to the match against the Frenchman (who therefore wins by forfeit) did he decide to withdraw.

Closely, he posted a message on Instagram, accompanied by a black-and-white photo of himself with his hands (and towel) on his face: "Raga… what bad luck! It certainly was not the ending I wished and deserved!!! The’goal was very close and the way I was playing I felt I was able to reach it!" he wrote.

"But you know, sport è soè … sometimes it gives, sometimes it takes away… – he added – and in spite of everything and everyone I am proud of how I proved to myself that I overcame hard times with struggle, sacrifice and love for this sport! I had to compromise with myself, and at my age… and after the career I had, it è was not easy…"

"No one will be able to take away from me what I have done with Loyaltyà, Transparency, Sacrifice but above all Honestyà, which in my vocabulary are worth much more than just a tennis match, won or lost!!!" then concluded the Ligurian tennis player, whose post has within minutes attracted the attention of thousands of fans, both in terms of likes and comments".