Wimbledon star's response speaks volumes after being told to retire immediately
Fabio Fognini took reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz to the limit in their first round clash at Wimbledon, before the veteran Italian eventually fell to a five-set defeat
Fabio Fognini made the most of his Wimbledon farewell as he took champion Carlos Alcaraz to five sets underneath the baking Centre Court sun. And as he was urged to end his final season immediately by John McEnroe, the Italian admitted he perhaps could call it a day straight away.
On the hottest opening day in Wimbledon history - as temperatures reachd ea sweltering 32 degrees - Alcaraz was almost caught cold by a 38-year-old who is due to retire at the end of the year.
The second seed eventually came through a marathon encounter 7-5 6-7 (5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 in an energy-sapping four hours and 37 minutes as the former world No.9 rolled back the years.
Fognini went through his array of flicks and tricks as he enjoyed what was his final appearance in SW19. He almost embarked on a lap of honour after coming out on top in one mesmerising rally which left Alcaraz, 16 years his junior, leaning on his towel box gasping for breath.
And after tennis icon McEnroe stated this could well be the perfect moment to end his career, Fognini appeared in two minds.
"It's tough for me to speak, believe me," said Fognini after his encounter with Alcaraz. "But, yeah, I think this is probably the best way to say [goodbye] to Wimbledon, and maybe to tennis.
"That's what I'm thinking now. I am happy, for sure. I have a lot of emotions coming to my mind."
Fognini, whose best run at a major came in a run to the 2011 French Open quarter-finals and is one of very few players to hold multiple victories over Rafael Nadal on clay, has announced he plans to retire at the end of this year - although he has not yet said exactly when he will walk away.
McEnroe shared his thoughts on the BBC, revealing that he has actually spoken to the Italian's wife about his tennis retirement. He said: "This was the perfect ending for Fognini. Luckily for Alcaraz, towards the end of the fourth set, the crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievable.
"Carlos looked more tired than Fognini even though there's a 16-year age gap! What in the hell is going on here? 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."
While Fognini's wife may want him to retire, Alcaraz is less certain that the Italian should be walking away from the game.
"I don't know why this is his last Wimbledon because with the level he is playing he can play for another three or four years," said Alcaraz. "Fabio is a great player and has shown his level and talent throughout his career.
"I'm sad it's probably his last Wimbledon but I'm happy to have shared the court with him."
Alcaraz will face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in round two and added: 'I saw his name when he qualified for the first time, he's in the second round so he's at a level. I will have to bring my best tennis to the match.'
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