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Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini joined a chorus of top male and female tennis players expressing their opposition to the ATP and WTA's decision to take away ranking points from the 2022 Wimbledon Championships. The decision came after the All England Club opted to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing in this year's Championships.
Fognini, known for being frank and straightforward with his opinions, did not shy away from giving his views on the issue. During a recent interview with Ubitennis, the Italian said that he also heard rumors of reduced prize money for Wimbledon. With no points and less prize money, he said that he might skip the event on his least favorite surface and go to Formentera with his family.
"I personally spoke to (ATP Chairman) (Andrea) Gaudenzi, and I complimented him : it is rumored that they will also reduce price money. If this were the case, also considering the not-so-great feeling with the grass, in those two weeks I could bring the family to Formentera," Fognini expressed.
Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem said that playing Wimbledon without earning points is tough for all players. He pointed out that it disproportionately affects the likes of defending champion Novak Djokovic and runner-up Matteo Berrettini, who will lose 2000 and 1200 points respectively.
Fabio Fognini wins first-round match in 15th French Open appearance
Fabio Fognini marked his 15th appearance at the French Open with a win on Sunday. The Italian defeated Alexei Popyrin in straight sets. Speaking after his first-round win, the Italian said that he would love to play a 16th French Open next year.
"I would also like to play 16th, but as I said at the end of the season we will sum it up and see," Fognini said.
The World No. 51 was thrilled with the win, especially as it came a couple of days before his 35th birthday.
"Winning 3-0 in the first round of a Grand Slam is never easy, doing it at the age of almost 35 certainly tastes better. I managed the match well, I knew I had to insist on his backhand and that this would give me a lot of points. So it was. Winning in the tournament I love most of all is always special," he said of his performance.
Fabio Fognini will face 26th seed Botin van de Zandschulp before a potential clash with Rafael Nadal in the third round.
