Back in March 2020, the ATP Tour and practically the entire world shut down due to COVID-19. Forced to go away from the tennis court, every player tried to make the best of the situation, including Fabio Fognini. Italy suffered through one of the worst outbreaks around the world and Fognini was right in the middle.

"In the beginning, the first 10 days were really tough," said Fognini. "I was not there with my mind, if I have to be honest. I had my home list and I talked to my physical therapist and he sent me something different every week because I would get bored."

The world No. 17 played only five tournaments before the men's tour went on hiatus, with his best run coming at the Australian Open when he advanced to the round of 16. Fognini ended the 2020 season with a first-round loss to Mikhail Kukushkin at Roland Garros.

However, Fognini has made the most of 2021 so far. The 33-year-old has appeared in five events, highlighted by helping his country finish runner-up to Russia at the ATP Cup.