The name of Alberto Mancini rings a bell for German tennis fans. Mancini was the first to destroy Becker's dream of a clay court title in Monte Carlo, and in 1989 the Argentine won the final in four hard-fought sets. Just like Sergi Bruguera in 1991. And Thomas Muster in 1995, this time in five rounds, after two Beckers match balls in the tie-break of the fourth set - Becker messed up one of them with a double error when attempting to work an ace on the opposite side with the second service .. .

1989 was also Mancini's most successful season, his second tournament victory (and third overall) he won shortly after the Monaco triumph in Rome, after five sets against Andre Agassi. And at the end of the year it took 8th place, its highest place in the ATP ranking.

Mancini still trusts Fognini at 33

Fabio Fognini has nine titles on the credit side, 9th place was his high ranking, he is currently listed in 15th place - thanks to the Corona regulation. Because not much did not come together for the Italian in 2020: After the round of 16 at the Australian Open, he only celebrated one victory in seven games, an ankle operation and a COVID-19 infection.

Now Fognini has signed Mancini, "he took me because he is motivated," Mancini told ubitennis.com . The 33 springs that Fognini already has under his belt? Apparently not an issue. Mancini is convinced that "with work and with Fabio's resources, you can still achieve great results at the age of 33".

The 51-year-old definitely has sufficient coaching experience: After his active career, he coached Guillermo Coria and made it to the finals twice as the team principal of the Argentine Davis Cup team.