Fabio Fognini in Rome "with a smile in my face" after confirming final Italian Open appearance

On Thursday, Fabio Fognini will take on Jacob Fearnley in the first round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia.

The match is of major significance for the Italian favorite, who has announced this 18^th main draw appearance in Rome will be his final one.

Toasting espressos with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, the 37-year-old was relaxed and upbeat when he discussed arriving at this juncture.

“Since I was a kid, I was coming here to see oh, ‘Let’s hope to play one day.’ Now I’m opposite way. I think it’s a good time to say goodbye in this beautiful city,” he shared Wednesday.

“I’m here with a smile in my face because I know that I have a really difficult time in my 15, 16, 20 years here in Rome. I would like to enjoy the last lap.”

When asked to choose his most memorable victory at the Foro Italico, a former multiple Grand Slam champion and rival became a topic of discussion.

“One is for sure the victory in the night against Andy Murray when he was No. 1 in the world. This one is in a special place, especially here in Rome. It’s one of the top three in my career. Actually I have two with Murray, one here and one in Davis Cup in Italy. So thank you Andy for letting me enjoy!” expressed Fognini.

I think it’s a good time to say goodbye in this beautiful city. I’m here with a smile in my face because I know that I have a really difficult time in my 15, 16, 20 years here in Rome. I would like to enjoy the last lap. Fabio Fognini

A former world No. 9 himself, Fognini comes in ranked No. 107 and seeking his first tour-level win of the season. The Sanremo native reflected on his passionate character while keeping an open mind on how he wants to close out his playing career.

“Of course I have to sit down having a coffee or maybe a good wine to see what the future bring me,” he said.

Could it involve another trip to the ballroom dance floor, after turning up as a guest performer last year on “Ballando con le Stelle”, the Italian version of “Dancing With The Stars”?

“The next step of my career,” Fognini joked. “It’s something I really fight (about) with my manager.

“It was really fun.”