Fognini received previous advice to switch nationalities to avoid paying tax: "My father always said you were born in Italy and you have to stay here"

Fabio Fognini produced a really good effort to take down Andy Murray in Rome and it was a good moment for him in front of his native fans at an event he loves.

It was the best level he produced in quite a while hitting almost 50 winners in three simple sets. The win sends him into the second round giving him another chance to play in front of his native fans. Playing in Italy is something he always loves but he doesn't get the chance to do so often and using these chances is critical for him as he's up there in age as well.

He referenced his special bond with his country after the match admitting that he could have moved away from Italy but he never did:

“Many people tried to convince me to change residence to avoid paying taxes. My father always said: 'You were born in 🇮🇹 and you have to stay here. You will pay a fortune? That would mean you would have earned a fortune. And you’ll be in peace with yourself."