Fabio Fognini, Elena Vesnina bond over parenting in latest CrossCourt episode

The two veterans discuss raising children while on the road as elite athletes, and the unique challenges that presents.

Published Sep 26, 2021

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“It’s the toughest job in the world,” says Elena Vesnina to kick off the fifth episode of CrossCourt. “But it’s the best one.”

Vesnina isn’t discussing her job as a top tennis player, but rather what it takes to be a parent, sharing experience with fellow tour parent Fabio Fognini.

When Vesnina returned to action earlier this season, she did so with young daughter Elizaveta in tow. Fognini’s family, which includes wife and former US Open champion Flavia Pennetta along with children Federico and Farah, has largely stayed home in the wake of the global pandemic.

“Being in Europe, any time I have the chance, I come home and see them.”

When CrossCourt was filmed during the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Elizaveta had been by mother Vesnina’s side throughout her comeback, but the former doubles No. 1 acknowledged there would be tournaments where she would need to travel alone—including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she and countryman Aslan Karatsev won a silver medal in mixed doubles.

“Sometimes when I go to the tennis courts, [Liza] tells me, ‘No, no, mama; you need to stay with me because you’re tired. You need to stay with me and lay down!”

Check out the full conversation here.

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