Alexander Zverev has congratulated retired tennis star Fabio Fognini for his unexpected post-retirement success on the dance floor, celebrating the former world No. 9 after he finished third in Italy’s hit dance reality show, Ballando con le Stelle.
A Closer Look at Fabio Fognini’s Transition From Tennis to the Dance Floor
After hanging up his racquets, Fognini joined the 20th season of “Ballando con le Stelle”, the Italian version of “Dancing with the Stars.” Partnered with professional dancer Giada Lini, he steadily improved week after week, leaning into the unfamiliar discipline of choreography and performance.
The duo advanced all the way to the finale, where they finished third overall, an eye-catching result for a debut season and Fognini’s first significant foray into entertainment television. Following the final, Fognini shared a series of photos on Instagram showing him and Lini celebrating alongside his wife, former US Open champion Flavia Pennetta, while lifting the second runner-up trophy.
In the caption, he described the experience as going beyond dance, pushing him to face challenges and grow personally. Though it ended in third place, he said it felt like a gold medal, thanking Lini, Pennetta, and the fans for their support.
“We are up to the tailgating titles of this crazy adventure. It wasn’t just dance; it was a journey within myself. I’ve discovered a new Fabio, I’ve taken off the armor and faced challenges that, I swear, at first seemed impossible to overcome. I come home with a third place, which, for the emotions I have felt and for the way I feel today, is worth as much as a gold medal.”
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“A huge thank you to teacher Giada who guided me step by step, enduring my stiffness and transforming it into energy. Thanks to my wife @flaviapennetta82 if I jumped into this challenge it’s only because she believed in it before I did. ❤️ And thanks to you… your affection has literally overwhelmed me and given me the strength to get here. I carry you all in my heart,” he added.
How Did Alexander Zverev React to Fognini’s Dancing Success?
Zverev reshared Fognini’s post on his own Instagram Stories, adding a simple message in Italian, “Grande @fabiofogna.” Fognini quickly replied in kind, reposting Zverev’s story with the playful caption, “Let’s go dance.”
The 38-year-old officially stepped away from professional tennis in July 2025, announcing his retirement at Wimbledon after a gripping five-set first-round match against Carlos Alcaraz, which doubled as his final professional match.
During his career, Fognini collected nine ATP titles, highlighted by his memorable 2019 Monte Carlo Masters triumph, and climbed as high as No. 9 in the world rankings.
