Retired Fognini: My hot temper cost me big-time

Retired ATP player Fabio Fognini admitted he left a massive amount of prize money on the table over the course of his career due to disciplinary fines as a result of his hair-trigger temper.

“I could have earned a lot more money playing tennis, but I paid a lot of fines because of my bad temper,” the Italian who stepped away after taking Carlos Alcaraz to five sets last summer at Wimbledon, told local media.

.”Throughout my career, I lost half a million euros, and I paid the highest fine ever at the US Open: USD 96,000.

“I’m often compared to the footballer Mario Balotelli, and I know why: we both have strong tempers and haven’t lived up to our potential.”

The husband of former US Open champion Flavia Pennettta said that he has put his tennis career into the past in the five months since retirement 

“I still follow everything that happens in tennis, but I haven’t played since then,” the 38-year-old said.

“I shared the court with the greats of tennis, reaching number nine, which was a dream come true. 

“Those who like me do so because they know me. Those who hate me only know me on the court, but not off it.”

Fognin said he and compatriot Jannik Sinner could not be more different.

“Sinner is the best in the world; of course I’d sign up to be him if I got (the chance). “

But he added that he and the straight-arrow former child skier from the German-speaking north of the country are total opposites.

“I have spontaneity, I’m very temperamental. I tell you things straight to your face.

But it’s difficult to compare us, we’re completely different characters.”

Main photo:- Fabio Fognini taking Carlos Alcaraz to five sets at Wimbledon – by Roger Parker/International Sports Fotos