Former world No 9 retires from tennis at Wimbledon after Carlos Alcaraz battle
Fabio Fognini has retired from professional tennis at Wimbledon after being urged to call time on his career by John McEnroe.
The Italian star announced he has played his final match at a Wimbledon press conference on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old was beaten 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 by two-time reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling opening round contest lasting four hours and 27 minutes.
Fognini, who had already revealed that 2025 would be his final season in the sport, was emotional as he departed Centre Court to a raucous ovation from the crowd.
Speaking on the BBC, McEnroe argued the match would be a perfect way for Fognini to bow out from tennis.
“This was the perfect ending for Fognini,” said the seven-time major singles champion. “Luckily for Alcaraz, towards the end of the fourth set, the crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievable.
“That’s what I’m thinking now. I am happy for sure. I have a lot of emotion coming to my mind. Yes, was super amazing atmosphere over there. I enjoy a lot.”
“Carlos looked more tired than Fognini even though there’s a 16-year age gap! What in the hell is going on here?
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“So the crowd started rallying behind Alcaraz and that picked him up a little bit. I almost hope that [Fognini] doesn’t play anymore because I’m not sure he can play any better than that.
“I played Flavio Panetta in seniors mixed doubles at the French [Open] and she thinks it’s time for Fabio to be at home more with the kids. I think she is ready for her husband to be home more.”
In his post-match press conference, Fognini said: “Tough to say something. Believe me. But, yeah, I think this probably best way to say goodbye to Wimbledon, yeah, and maybe for the tennis.
Fognini’s performance was lauded by Alcaraz, who claimed the former world No 9 had demonstrated he still had the level to keep playing for years.
“To be honest I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon because the level he has shown, he can still play three, four more years (laughs). Unbelievable,” Alcaraz said in his on-court interview.
“I just have to give him the credit of such a great match. Fabio is a great player, he has shown during his whole career the level and the talent he has. Once again he has shown today.
“I’m just a little bit sad it’s his last Wimbledon, but just happy to have lived and shared the court many times with him, the locker room with him, and we’re gonna enjoy the last of him.”
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