Wimbledon ace's wife has her say after John McEnroe told crying husband to retire immediately

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3 days ago

Wimbledon ace's wife has her say after John McEnroe told crying husband to retire immediately
Flavia Pannetta has had her say on husband Fabio Fognini's future in tennis after John McEnroe suggested the Italian should retire following his Wimbledon exit to Carlos Alcaraz
Fabio Fognini's wife, Flavia, has responded to John McEnroe's suggestion her husband should retire
(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP via Getty Images )
Flavia Pannetta agrees with John McEnroe that Fabio Fognini should consider retiring after his valiant Wimbledon departure against Carlos Alcaraz. The 38-year-old was lauded for nearly upsetting defending champion Alcaraz in an intense first-round battle on Monday.
Fognini impressively pushed Alcaraz to the limit and forced a five-set thriller in a match that also witnessed a medical emergency in the stands. This prompted tennis icon McEnroe to suggest Fognini should retire on this high note, doubting his ability to recreate such a performance at this stage in his career.
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"This was the perfect ending for Fognini," said McEnroe on BBC commentary (via the Daily Express). "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?
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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."
McEnroe also shared his experience playing seniors mixed doubles with Pannetta, whom he claims is "ready for her husband to be home more." Pannetta, 43, reached a career-high No. 6 in the WTA rankings before hanging up her racket in 2015.
And she has voiced her feelings on her husband hanging it up in the wake of McEnroe's remarks. However, she made sure to underline the final decision will lie with her partner.
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Flavia Pannetta agreed with McEnroe to some extent but wants Fognini to make his own call on retirement
(Image: Getty )
"I hope he finishes with the wonderful feelings of the match with Alcaraz," she told Corriere della Sera. "He was very good, I am proud; for me it is as if he had won. If he were to continue he would risk ruining that moment."
Pannetta was also asked about whether her husband asks for advice in this arena given she has already gone through retirement, and she responded: "In his own way. I am his mirror. I do not lie to him. But the choice is his."
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Former world No. 9 Fognini attempted to make his mark at this year's French Open but exited in the first round of qualifiers. It remains uncertain what his journey could have been like at Wimbledon if not for facing Alcaraz, whose kit selection became a talking point in the first round..
Despite bowing out after a spirited fifth set against the young Spaniard, Fognini captivated the All England Club crowd with his skilful play and upbeat attitude throughout the match. The match served as a reminder of the talent tennis would be losing if this were the Italian's last appearance at SW19.
Fognini performed admirably before being ousted by Carlos Alcaraz
(Image: Julian Finney, Getty Images )
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Fognini's wife and commentators alike suggest it may be time for him to retire. But Alcaraz himself acknowledged he would find it "sad" to see such a formidable contender leave the game following their intense encounter.
"I don't know why it's his last Wimbledon, because the level he is playing, he can still play for three or four more years," he told the BBC. "I have to give him the credit for such a great match."
With praise like that from one of, if not the best in men's tennis, Fognini has to wonder if he has more left in the tank. And it could result in the veteran making another Grand Slam push at the US Open later this year.