Fognini reveals a very fun fact about the US Open

Fabio Fognini has fond memories of the US Open, for more reasons than you might think. The 30-year-old returns this year as a new father after his wife Flavia Pennetta, the 2015 US Open champion, gave birth to their son in May.

The US Open is special obviously because Pennetta won her sole career major in New York before announcing her retirement from the sport moments later in her awards speech.

Fognini has also done very well in Flushing Meadows. That same year, he reached the fourth round by ousting Rafael Nadal in five sets.

But that's not what's most memorable about the Big Apple for Fognini, not by a long shot.

"Our baby was conceived here in New York last year," Fognini told Baseline. "She told me and I said I can't believe it. Of course, I am happy."

Fognini returns this year as the No. 22 seed, in fine form after winning his fifth career ATP title in Gstaad.

"It's an amazing tournament—it's one of the best four tournaments in the world," Fognini said. "A lot of emotion in my life because now, with Flavia, it's special for her and even for me. I'm always playing good and I always enjoy playing evening sessions especially."

Plenty of pros bring their children on tour (last week you could catch sight of Patty Schynder's daughter alongside her qualifying matches or Florian Mayer's baby son in the player lounge), but Fognini is waiting until Federico gets a little older.

"Next year they're coming for a few tournaments for sure," Fognini said. "They're coming to Indian Wells and Miami, that's the schedule already."