Fabio Fognini

Fabio Fognini is an Italian tennis player, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest talents of the 21st century.

Fognini has been known to stun both the spectators and the opponents with his jaw-dropping skills, but he hasn't translated his natural gifts into Grand Slam trophies yet - at least not in singles. Still, he remains one of the most enigmatic characters in tennis, partly for his tennis and partly for his controversies.

Best finish at each of the four Grand Slams:

Australian Open: 4th Round (2014, 2018)

French Open: Quarterfinalist (2011)

Wimbledon: 3rd Round (2010, 2014, 2017, 2018)

US Open: 4th Round (2015)

Highest Ranking: No. 13

Style of play

Fognini is an attack-minded player who paradoxically excels on clay. His groundstrokes are heavy and loaded with topspin, which helps them penetrate through the court and put his opponents on the backfoot.

Fognini has soft hands and can introduce variations into rallies with short slices and drop shots, and he also uses the lob liberally. He doesn't approach the net too often, but is a competent volleyer.

While Fognini's first instinct is to attack, he can also defend from behind the baseline when pitted against bigger hitting players. He likes to redirect the line of the ball to break open a rally or to turn defense into offense, especially with his backhand.

Strengths and weaknesses

Fognini has some of the most consistently powerful groundstrokes seen in recent times, off both wings. His inside-out forehand is a lethal weapon with which he can instantly take control of any point. In general, his forehand is a strong point-ending tool, although it can also cough up errors at times.

Fognini's backhand is his more dependable shot, and his drives down the line are regarded to be among the best in the world. He can also generate wicket angles with his crosscourt backhand, while also occasionally drawing his opponent forward with a short slice.

The Italian has very fluent footwork, and can chase down almost anything from the back of the court. His speedy defense is especially useful on clay, as he makes it very difficult to hit past him.

Fognini's serve is possibly his biggest weakness, as it lacks the speed and heft of some of the other top 20 players. He is also prone to severe lapses in concentration, which affect both his serve and his groundstrokes.

Personal life

Fognini was born in Sanremo, Italy, but currently lives in Arma Di Taggia. His father Fulvio is a businessman, while mother Silvana is a stay-at-home mother.

Fognini started playing tennis at the age of four, and turned pro at the age of 17. He has tasted Grand Slam success, but in doubles - he won the 2015 Australian Open men's doubles title with countryman Simone Bolelli.

In 2016 Fognini married Flavia Pennetta, the women's winner of the 2015 US Open. The couple have a son together, named Federico, who was born on 19th May 2017.

Fognini has often been criticized for wasting his talent, and he has also been involved in a fair few controversies. In 2014 he was fined US$27,500 by Wimbledon for mouthing audible obscenities during his first round match. At the 2017 US Open he went a step further, as he called a female chair umpire a whore during his loss to Stefano Travaglia. He was fined US$96,000 and suspended from two Grand Slams for his behavior.

The ugly incidents have taken some of the sheen off Fognini's talent, which can be a major force to reckon with on a good day. In 2015 Fognini defeated Rafael Nadal three consecutive times, including twice on clay and once at the US Open - where he came back from two sets to love down.

Those moments of brilliance have been few and far between though, and many in the tennis world have publicly wished that Fognini controls his temper and focuses better on the tennis court. It remains to be seen whether the Italian will learn to do either of those things in the coming few years.

Social media presence:

Fabio Fognini Instagram: @fabiofogna

Fabio Fognini Twitter: @fabiofogna