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“I Want an Apology”: Fabio Fognini Warns ATP After His Wrongful Disqualification at Barcelona Open 2021

Italian star Fabio Fognini might have unknowingly created the reputation of a loose cannon on the men’s circuit. But this time, he plans to go all the way, even against ATP, to clear out his name.

Fabio Fognini and Salvatore Caruso in a heated argument at Australian Open 2021
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 11, 2021 Italy’s Fabio Fognini clashes with Italy’s Salvatore Caruso after winning their second round match REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

The 33-year-old was defaulted against Bernabe Zapata Miralles in Barcelona Open 2021 round-of-32 clash after verbally abusing a lines judge. However, he still pleads innocent and is now ready to demand compensation.

Read More: “Does Not Correspond to Reality”: Fabio Fognini Vows to Appeal His Barcelona Open 2021 Disqualification

Fabio Fognini demands an apology from the ATP

Fabio Fognini was down one set and four each in the second against the Spaniard when the incident happened. More importantly, he had lost the opening set 6-0 and was unhappy with his performance, which eventually led to a wrong conclusion.

“I did not insult the line judge in the match against Zapata Miralles. I was frustrated, angry: I was talking to myself.” He said, “I swear by my children, my dearest thing in the world.”

Furthermore, Fognini added that he is almost 34 years old and has been playing professionally for twenty years. Thus, he hopes for them to believe him on his word.

Shocked and disappointed with the decision, the 2019 Monte-Carlo champion had left the scene with his head down. But since then, he is on a mission to prove his innocence at all costs. What hurt him more is that even his racquet sponsor Babolat gave him a stern warning for his behavior.

“Money and points don’t interest me,” Fognini emphasised. “What happened has tarnished my image, making me look like a chocolatier with my sponsors.”

Fabio has found himself in a similar situation more than once in his more than a decade long career. However, he has always owned up to his mistake, and he demands the same from the ATP.

“I want an apology for the enormous error. If my appeal is rejected, I will put everything in the hand of the lawyer and ask the ATP for compensation for very serious damage to image.” Fabio continued, “I’ve always admitted them, but this time I’m right, and I’m going straight to the goal.”

Read More: “A Great Guy”: Rafael Nadal Backs Benoit Paire Ands Understands The Move to Penalize Him

What to expect in the Fognini case?

Fabio Fognini at Monte-Carlo Masters
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 21: Fabio Fognini of Italy serves against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia in the men’s singles final during day eight of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 21, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Hopefully, in due time, the Italian star and the ATP will find a way to settle the commotion. Above all, tennis should always remain in the highest regard for everyone.

What do you think will happen in the Fognini case? Will the ATP apologize or find some other way? Let us wait and watch.

Also Read: ATP to Likely Hold Masters 1000 Event Ahead of Wimbledon Championships 2021

The post “I Want an Apology”: Fabio Fognini Warns ATP After His Wrongful Disqualification at Barcelona Open 2021 appeared first on EssentiallySports.