PERSONAL

Federico Luzzi died on 25 October 2008, aged 28 in his hometown of Arezzo, from a rapid form of leukemia. He began playing at age three when he picked up his father's racquet. Father, Maurizio, is a doctor; mother, Paola, is a musical teacher; has one older sister, Francesca. As a junior, captured world and European champion in 14s age group and European champion in 16s. Also reached SF at Italian Open juniors in 1998. Hobbies include dancing, shopping and going out with friends. His idol growing up was Stefan Edberg. Considered tournaments in Barcelona and Rome in 2001 as turning point in his career as he realised he could compete with top players. He was coached by countryman Fabrizio Fanucci.