Who Is Fabio Fognini Married To? When you think of tennis power couples, names like Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf or Roger Federer and Mirka Federer might come to mind. But there’s another dynamic duo that has captured the hearts of tennis fans worldwide: Fabio Fognini and Flavia Pennetta. This Italian pair not only shares a passion for tennis but also a beautiful love story that has blossomed both on and off the court. So, who is Fabio Fognini married to, and what makes their relationship so special? Let’s dive into their journey, from their early days as friends to becoming parents of three and a celebrated couple in the tennis world.
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The Love Story of Fabio Fognini and Flavia Pennetta
Fabio Fognini, born on May 24, 1987, in Sanremo, Italy, is a professional tennis player known for his fiery personality and clay-court prowess. With a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 9 in 2019 and nine ATP singles titles, including the prestigious 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters, Fognini has made a name for himself as one of Italy’s top male tennis players. But beyond his on-court achievements, his personal life, particularly his marriage to Flavia Pennetta, has garnered significant attention.
Flavia Pennetta, born on February 25, 1982, in Brindisi, Italy, is a retired professional tennis player who achieved remarkable success in her career. She became Italy’s first female tennis player to break into the top 10 in singles rankings and the first Italian to reach world No. 1 in doubles in 2011. Her crowning achievement came in 2015 when she won the US Open singles title, defeating her childhood friend Roberta Vinci in the first all-Italian Grand Slam final. Pennetta also secured the 2011 Australian Open women’s doubles title with Gisela Dulko and won four Fed Cup titles with Italy.
The story of Fabio and Flavia began in 2014 when they started dating. Their relationship didn’t spark instantly with romance; instead, it grew from a foundation of friendship. Both training in Barcelona, they shared the same coach and physiotherapist, which brought them closer as colleagues and friends. According to Pennetta, Fabio was initially too respectful to make the first move, so she took the initiative. In an interview, she shared, “It was I who made the first move. We were very close friends, Fabio was too respectful towards me, maybe he was afraid of taking a stake and this is why he never took the initiative. Then one day I asked him to come closer and suddenly I kissed him.” This bold move marked the beginning of their whirlwind romance.
By 2015, the couple was engaged, and on June 16, 2016, they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Ostuni, Apulia, Flavia’s hometown. The wedding was a celebration of their shared Italian heritage and their love for each other, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow tennis players. Since then, their bond has only grown stronger, with Flavia often described as Fabio’s rock, supporting him through the highs and lows of his career.
A Family of Five
Fabio and Flavia’s love story expanded with the arrival of their three children, all of whom have names starting with the letter “F,” a charming family tradition. Their first child, a son named Federico, was born on May 19, 2017, just days before Fabio’s upset victory over then-world No. 1 Andy Murray at the Rome Masters. Their daughter Farah arrived on December 23, 2019, and their youngest, another daughter named Flaminia, was born on November 21, 2021, in Barcelona, Spain. Fabio announced Flaminia’s birth on Instagram, writing, “Welcome, little princess,” a post that received an outpouring of love from fans and fellow players like Garbine Muguruza and Sloane Stephens.
Despite their busy lives, Fabio and Flavia prioritize family. Fabio has spoken about how fatherhood has changed him, saying, “Marriage was the first step, the second was the birth of Federico. That changed me, I have a different responsibility.” When he’s not on the court, he loves spending time with his children, especially playing with Federico. Flavia, who retired from professional tennis shortly after her 2015 US Open win, has embraced her role as a mother while occasionally stepping back into the tennis world through charity events and commentary.
A Partnership Built on Mutual Support
What makes Fabio and Flavia’s relationship so compelling is their mutual support, both personally and professionally. Fabio has credited Flavia’s experience as a Grand Slam champion for helping him navigate his career. “It’s good to have a wife who has played better than you,” he once said, acknowledging her insights as a former top-10 player. Flavia, in turn, has been Fabio’s biggest cheerleader, celebrating his successes, like his 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters win and his 2023 Valencia Challenger title, where she posted, “Good Job daddy.. I am so happy for you. TAM (te amo muito – love you so much)” on Instagram.
Their shared passion for tennis has also led to joint ventures, such as modeling for Armani’s EA7 Emporio Armani sports line and Emporio Armani Underwear. Their chemistry, both on and off the court, shines through in these campaigns, showcasing their status as one of Italy’s most stylish and beloved couples.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like any couple, Fabio and Flavia have faced challenges. Fabio’s fiery on-court demeanor has led to controversies, including a default at the 2021 Barcelona Open for verbally abusing a linesman and a record $27,500 fine at Wimbledon for various offenses. Through it all, Flavia has stood by him, helping him grow as a person and player. Fabio himself has acknowledged her influence, saying, “Flavia never left me. She supported me. You need to know how to stay next to me, it’s not easy to cope with me.”
Their relationship is a testament to resilience and love. From their early days as friends to building a family of five, Fabio and Flavia have shown that their partnership is as strong as their forehands. As they continue to navigate life together, they remain an inspiration to tennis fans and romantics alike.
FAQs About Fabio Fognini and Flavia Pennetta
1. When did Fabio Fognini and Flavia Pennetta get married?
They got married on June 16, 2016, in Ostuni, Apulia, Italy, Flavia’s hometown.
2. How many children do Fabio Fognini and Flavia Pennetta have?
They have three children: a son, Federico (born 2017), and two daughters, Farah (born 2019) and Flaminia (born 2021).
3. How did Fabio and Flavia meet?
They met while training in Barcelona, sharing the same coach and physiotherapist. Their relationship started as a friendship before turning romantic in 2014 when Flavia made the first move.
4. What are Flavia Pennetta’s major tennis achievements?
Flavia won the 2015 US Open singles title and the 2011 Australian Open women’s doubles title. She was also the first Italian to reach world No. 1 in doubles in 2011.
5. Have Fabio and Flavia worked together professionally outside of tennis?
Yes, they have modeled together for Armani’s EA7 Emporio Armani sports line and Emporio Armani Underwear campaigns.