“Bad News Has Arrived” – Fabio Fognini Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Italian ace Fabio Fognini has tested positive for the coronavirus. The player was set to play in the Forte Village Sardegna Open, but now has withdrawn from the event and has isolated himself.

Yesterday, Fognini played the first round of Men’s doubles partnering with fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Today the organizers called him in as a last-minute substitution in Men’s singles for Diego Schwartzman, who withdrew recently. The Italian star was the top seed but now will play no part in the tournament.

Fabio Fognini explains his symptoms

Fognini gave an update on his symptoms on his Instagram Handle. The Italian has quarantined himself and is positive about his recovery.

“Guys, I have to tell you that this morning I tested positive for COVID-19. The symptoms are very mild, some cough and fever, headache … but unfortunately, this bad news has arrived. I am already in solitary confinement and I am convinced that I will recover very soon. I embrace you all” (quotes translated from Italian using google translate)

Fognini was up against Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round of the inaugural Sardegna Open. As a lot of ATP events in Italy got canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, this tournament was organized as an ATP 250 event in Cagliari, Italy.

As of now, there has been no decision against Fognini’s doubles partner, 18-year-old Musetti. In singles, Musetti defeated eighth seed, Pablo Cuevas in the first round to advance. Now, the next-gen star could be forced to withdraw from the tournament and quarantine himself.

The positive test has come when Fognini was going through a horrid run. Notably, the Italian fell to #88 ranked Mikhail Kukushkin in the first round of French Open 2020. Before the pandemic kicked in Fognini displayed decent form, but post the lockdown break, it has been tough for the Italian. Early-round exits from Italian Open and French Open have derailed his season. Fognini was on the cusp of entering the top 10 in the ATP rankings, but now he is down to #16 and will miss out on crucial ranking points.

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