Fognini Roots for Djokovic: The Wish for a 25th Slam on the Eve of Sinner

Fabio Fognini expressed at Wimbledon his greatest wish for Novak Djokovic: "My greatest wish is that he gets the chance to win another Grand Slam. I'm convinced that this is exactly why he keeps playing." Words that came on the eve of the semifinal that on Friday pits the Serb against Jannik Sinner on Centre Court.

The former world No. 9, back at the Championships a year after retiring to take part in the legends' event, spoke about the special bond between Djokovic and Grand Slam number 25, a milestone no one in history has yet reached. "If I know him well, that dream is what still motivates him," added Fognini, who shares years on tour and a long-standing closeness with the Serb.

The Ligurian also underlined the affection surrounding the champion from Belgrade: "People love Novak everywhere, but especially here." A reference to Djokovic's record of wins on London's grass — the Serb has surpassed the record for Wimbledon titles once held by Federer — and to a relationship with the Championships crowd that over the years has turned into full admiration.

There is a curious note to Fognini's support. His good wishes go to Djokovic just as another Italian, Sinner, is contending for the final against him — opponents in a Wimbledon semifinal for the second year running. Fognini, who ended his career in 2025 after the five-set battle with Alcaraz on the same court, stays true to his nature: he says what he thinks, without calculation.