Former world number nine Fabio Fognini has heeded John McEnroe’s advice by retiring following his Wimbledon exit.
Fognini, 38, threatened to produce one of the biggest upsets in Wimbledon history after taking two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to five sets.
Alcaraz was expected to breeze past Fognini, who announced earlier in the year that this would be his final season in professional tennis.
But Fognini proved to be a tricky customer, even for a five-time Grand Slam champion, and the opening match of the tournament on Centre Court entered a fifth-set decider.
Alcaraz’s class eventually told but Fognini received widespread praise for his admirable performance and a standing ovation from spectators at the All England Club.
American tennis icon McEnroe said Fognini played ‘unbelievably’ and claimed it was the ‘perfect ending’ for a player who began his professional career in 2004.
‘This was the perfect ending for Fognini,’ he told the BBC. ‘The crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievably.
‘Carlos looked more exhausted than Fognini despite there being a 16-year age difference! What on earth is happening here?
‘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.’
Fognini called a press conference at the All England Club on Wednesday in which he announced his retirement from the sport.
‘I would like to say few words,’ he began. ‘Hello and thank you for coming.
‘I was here week ago probably, more than a week ago, and I left something. I think today is something then is official. I say goodbye to everybody.
‘It’s something that was in my mind already. You guys know. This week with my family, first week of Wimbledon was really busy, more than tennis, because Flavia was working for TV and I was home.
‘I have no time left to thinking about what I did. But I think is the best way to say goodbye.’
More to follow…
