Interactive Forum July 2025: Fabio Fognini Forehands at 1000 fps

[jeffreycounts]

Fabio Fognini Forehands

Fabio Fognini pushed Carlos Alcaraz to five thrilling sets at Wimbledon today in what may have been his last match as a professional. He was visibly emotional afterward and hinted that this could be a fitting end to his career.

For the July issue, we’re spotlighting Fognini’s compact but explosive forehand for the very first time shot at 1000 frames per second!

We’d love to hear your insights and thoughts on both Fabio's powerful forehand as well as his colorful career.

[stroke]

Jeff, perfect timing to look at the Fognini forehand on the forum. JY did this years ago. JY pined that Fabio may be the perfect model for the ATP type 3 forehand. I tend to agree. The Bruce Lee 1 inch punch of forehands, the anti Medvedev forehand. It is such a quiet, simple, compact, powerful forehand, and his spin numbers that I have seen are right up there at the very top of the game.

https://www.tennisplayer.net/bulletin/forum/tennisplayer/66835-interactive-forum-november-2017-fabio-fognini-forehand

[seano]

I love his economy of motion off of both sides. Would have been interesting if he was more determined and focused.

[stroke]

When he played his absolute best, and won that Masters 1000 on clay vs Nadal, he was probably the one of the only 4 players ever to beat Nadal on clay when Nadal was at his best on clay in either a Masters 1000 or the FO. The other 3 being Novak, Fed, and Soderling. Yes, Fognini had the potential to accomplish more than he did.

[stotty]

I am not sure about his outfit in the first clip but his forehand certainly is a corker. He borders on casual at times when he plays, and chooses his moments to turn up the tempo and effort. I’ve always loved his forehand. He holds the racket higher up the handle than most players and has the most compact forehand that I’ve witnessed.

He’s a funny one, and a little like Marcello Rios in that he doesn’t want to be seen trying too hard — a fatal trait for both players. He does like a big game though, in much the same way Kyrgios does. It’s more about taking the really top shelf players down than winning tournaments. He’s underachieved but remains so incredibly watchable.

[stroke]

I am not sure about his outfit in the first clip but his forehand certainly is a corker. He borders on casual at times when he plays, and chooses his moments to turn up the tempo and effort. I’ve always loved his forehand. He holds the racket higher up the handle than most players and has the most compact forehand that I’ve witnessed.

He’s a funny one, and a little like Marcello Rios in that he doesn’t want to be seen trying too hard — a fatal trait for both players. He does like a big game though, in much the same way Kyrgios does. It’s more about taking the really top shelf players down than winning tournaments. He’s underachieved but remains so incredibly watchable.

I agree. To me one of the very best forehands ever. And his backhand is right up there also. If he had Nadal's mentality, who knows what he could have accomplished. He had it all, great off both wings, tremendous court coverage(when so inclined), and great hands/touch.

[jeffreycounts]

I am not sure about his outfit in the first clip but his forehand certainly is a corker.

The backstory of the outfit is pretty good. He got booted out of the US Open the year before and was nearly banned from grand slams permanently. That outfit was Fognini's way of acting "contrite" in a tongue in cheek manner I think. He really was the Kyrgios before Kyrgios. Or the Rios before Rios. And it seems the ridiculous behavior and the tennis genius sadly have to come together.

[jeffreycounts]

And his backhand is right up there also.

We'll put up his backhand next month. I completely agree with you. Like the forehand an economy of motion but incredibly powerful. It's so fun to watch him create so much pace out of what looks like such little motion.

[doctorhl]

Interesting whole hand grip which may play a part in a little wrist stability for his technique. Anyone know the racket grip size? It looks large.

[stroke]

Interesting whole hand grip which may play a part in a little wrist stability for his technique. Anyone know the racket grip size? It looks large.

I noticed that too. Fognini not a tall guy. Tremendous athlete, listed at 5'10". I doubt seriously he is that tall, and his hand on the grip is more old school with a clear space between his ring finger and the heel of his hand. Just goes to show there is no one best way to have great technique.

[jimlosaltos]

I noticed that too. Fognini not a tall guy. Tremendous athlete, listed at 5'10". I doubt seriously he is that tall, and his hand on the grip is more old school with a clear space between his ring finger and the heel of his hand. Just goes to show there is no one best way to have great technique.

This is obviously of a volley but it's what I could find that clearly shows Fogs grip. From doubles with Djokovic at Indian Wells 2019

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[giancarlo]

This is obviously of a volley but it's what I could find that clearly shows Fogs grip. From doubles with Djokovic at Indian Wells 2019

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Love these! Also, did you know that Alcaraz plays with a 4 1/2 grip? Quite unusul for this new generation.

[jimlosaltos]

Love these! Also, did you know that Alcaraz plays with a 4 1/2 grip? Quite unusul for this new generation.

Thanks ! Didn't know about Alcaraz's grip size but not surprised. Although Fed is his idol, there's influence from his countryman Rafa, whose racket looks like a toothpick in his hand. 4 1/4 in, I believe?

[giancarlo]

Yes, Rafa plays with the 4 1/4 (L2) grip.

[jimlosaltos]

At the risk of total digession I can't resist sharing. Fogs now on Italian version of Dancing with the Stars, called Ballando con le Stelle.

I believe this is "a fiery "Great Balls of Fire" routine with professional dancer Giada Lini" ?

Hey, footwork is important in tennis!

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