Fabio Fognini is facing a ban from tennis with Wimbledon just weeks away after missing a doping test.
The Italian is looking to compete at the All-England club next month but is in trouble with the authorities after being absent from his home when doping officials arrived, according to Sportmediaset. Fognini is a massive Inter Milan fan and was present in Turkey while the Champions League final was taking place.
He followed his team to the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Turkey, where he hoped they could defy their underdog status and upset treble-hunters Manchester City, but it wasn't to be. Instead, Fognini could now face a double hit as he waits to find out whether or not he'll be punished.
It is the second time he has missed a test, placing him under further pressure. Fognini has never gone beyond the third round at Wimbledon but will be hoping to change that this time should he be allowed to compete. He has previously climbed as high as No 9 in the world rankings, back in 2019, but lost out to Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the first round of last year’s Wimbledon with grass by no means his favoured surface.
Fognini has previously been open about his passion for Inter, who claimed silverware this year despite missing out in Europe. He said: “My family is full of Inter fans. Inter for me means passion. I grew up watching the likes of Ronaldo and Christian Vieri but my idol was Ivan Zamorano. I always like Marco Materazzi too due to his determination.
“As a fan of Inter, I rejoice and I get angry. When you care about one thing those are the reactions, but being a sportsman I also understand what’s behind it and the variables that can lead to one result over another.”
If Fognini does play at Wimbledon it may add to the potential controversy with Russian and Belarusian athletes being allowed to return as neutral players. Last year, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, they were banned from competing. Throughout the French Open they faced mixed receptions.
The LTA was later hit with a fine and world ranking points were removed from last year's tournament. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: "Throughout Putin's ongoing war in Ukraine, we have been clear that Russian and Belarusian athletes representing their country should not be permitted in domestic and international sporting competitions. That position still stands.
"Individual, self-funded Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete in the UK, subject to following our guidance on neutrality. We, therefore, support the approach of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and Lawn Tennis Association on the basis of following that guidance.
