Fabio Fognini to Split With Coach After Three Years

Italian No.1 Fabio Fognini has decided to split with his coach Franco Davin following his shock first-round exit at the US Open 2019, last month.

After three years of working together, the decision to go their separate ways was a mutual one, coach Franco Davin suggested on Friday. Fabio Fognini will head into the 2020 season with a revamped team after confirmation that his current coach will leave his position later this year.

“After hard work over 3 years, we reached our target, with dedication, effort but mostly affection. Reaching such a big objective provokes both a huge satisfaction and the challenge to establish new goals,” Davin wrote in a post on Instagram.

He further added: “After many conversations, we’ve decided to finish our professional relations at the end of 2019. We’ve arrived at our destination and we’ll follow new routes. We’ll keep a great friendship and the family’s relationship.”

Franco Davin started to coach Fabio Fognini in 2016. Under his tutelage, Fognini has claimed five ATP titles, with the most significant achievement of his career coming at the Monte-Carlo Masters 2019 in April, where he went on to win his maiden Masters 1000 title. He also became the oldest player to make a debut at the top 10 rankings on the ATP leaderboards.

Praising Fabio Fognini, Davin said: Everybody knows what Fabio is able to do in the court with his charisma, his unmatchable talent, and his well known “character.” But let me remind you, the best thing about Fabio is seen outside the court, he’s an amazing person.”

It is still uncertain about whom Franco Davin will work with after the completion of the 2019 season. According to reports, Davin received two top proposals last year but he rejected them as he wanted to continue with Fabio Fognini.

The 32-year-old will next head for the China Open in Beijing after playing the Laver Cup 2019 last week. He will also partner with Dominic Thiem to make a debut as a pair at the China Open 2019 for the doubles event.