Fabio Fognini, born on May 24, 1987, in Sanremo, Italy, is one of the most colorful and talented players on the ATP Tour. Known for his explosive playing style and passionate on-court demeanor, Fognini has built a remarkable career, highlighted by a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 9, achieved in July 2019.His prowess on red clay is particularly notable, with eight of his nine ATP singles titles coming on this surface, including a prestigious victory at the 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters. Fognini also boasts a Grand Slam doubles title, having won the 2015 Australian Open with fellow Italian Simone Bolelli, marking a historic achievement for Italian tennis.
Off the court, Fognini is known for his love of football—supporting Inter Milan and Genoa CFC—and his passion for motorbike racing, especially as a fan of Valentino Rossi. Fluent in several languages, including Italian, English, Spanish, and French, he is as charismatic in interviews as he is fiery during matches.
A Tennis Love Story: Fabio Fognini Meeting Flavia Pennetta
Fognini’s personal life has been as eventful and captivating as his tennis career. His romantic journey took a special turn when he met Flavia Pennetta, a fellow Italian tennis star. Pennetta, born in Brindisi in 1982, is a former top-10 WTA player who reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 6 and won the US Open in 2015 before retiring from professional tennis.
The couple began dating in early 2014, quickly becoming one of tennis’s most beloved pairs. Their shared passion for the sport and Italian heritage formed a strong foundation for their relationship, which blossomed both on and off the court.
Fabio Fognini’s Marriage With Wife Flavia Pennetta and Family Life
Fabio Fognini and Flavia Pennetta got engaged in 2015 and celebrated their wedding in Ostuni, Italy, on June 16, 2016. Their marriage was a high-profile event in Italian sports, bringing together two champions from the world of tennis.
Their family has since grown, with the couple welcoming three children: Federico (born 2017), their eldest son, Farah (born 2019), their first daughter and Flaminia (born 2021), their youngest daughter.
The Fognini-Pennetta household is lively and full of love, often sharing glimpses of family moments on social media. The tradition of naming their children with names starting with “F” adds a charming personal touch to their story.
Flavia Pennetta: More Than a Tennis Star
Flavia Pennetta is not only known as Fabio Fognini’s wife but also as an accomplished athlete in her own right. Before retiring in 2016, Pennetta had a stellar career, amassing 28 career titles, reaching the top spot in doubles, and winning the women’s doubles title at the 2011 Australian Open. She was honored as a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic by the Italian president in 2007. Since retiring, Pennetta has focused on family life, occasionally making media appearances and supporting Fognini’s continuing career.
Still Competing and Dancing
At 38, Fabio Fognini remains active in professional tennis, defying expectations of retirement. In 2024, he chose to compete in Challenger-level tournaments, ending his season with a title win in Montemar. His competitive spirit is undiminished, as seen in his recent Wimbledon appearance, where he pushed two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to five sets in a thrilling first-round match on June 30, 2025.
Off the court, Fognini recently made headlines for his appearance on the popular Italian dance show “Ballando con le Stelle” (Italy’s Dancing with the Stars). His performance with professional dancer Giadi Lini was met with enthusiasm, especially from Pennetta, who expressed her support and pride on social media. This playful side of Fognini shows his willingness to embrace new challenges and enjoy life beyond tennis.
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Together, Fabio Fognini and Flavia Pennetta represent a unique blend of competitive excellence and enduring partnership. Their journey from tennis courts to family life, and now to new adventures, continues to captivate fans in Italy and around the world. As Fognini extends his career and explores new interests, and Pennetta supports both her husband and their growing family, the couple remains a shining example of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of sport.
