Veteran Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini, a figure known for his flair on the court and his sometimes tempestuous nature, has announced his retirement from professional tennis. His final competitive appearance came on one of the sport`s grandest stages: the grass courts of Wimbledon.
The opponent for Fognini`s final match was the current world number one, Carlos Alcaraz, in the first round of the tournament. The match was a lengthy affair, stretching to a full five sets before Alcaraz ultimately secured the victory. While a loss might seem like a difficult way to end a career, Fognini offered a surprisingly positive reflection on the encounter.
According to Fognini, his mindset going into that match was key. He aimed to “enjoy the game on the court and show my best tennis.” He believes this focus was successful and enabled him to “give his all” in the demanding, multi-set battle against a top opponent. Giving one`s all, particularly in the twilight of a physical career, is no small feat.
Fognini openly acknowledged the toll years on tour had taken, noting that he had “suffered many injuries in recent years.” He added a touch of relatable frankness by stating that giving 100% becomes “not easy after 35 years old.” It`s a simple, unvarnished truth about the physical reality facing athletes as they age.
Despite the physical challenges and the final outcome, Fognini views this specific match against Alcaraz at Wimbledon as a fitting and almost perfect conclusion. He described the decision to leave the sport after playing “on the most beautiful court with such an opponent” as the “right decision.” It provided a high-stakes, memorable context for his final professional points.
In Fognini`s own words, this particular moment – the setting, the opponent, the effort required – creates an “ideal image” that he feels “will remain forever in my memory.” For a career marked by dramatic highs and lows, ending it with a hard-fought contest on an iconic court against the reigning world number one offers a distinct and perhaps surprisingly peaceful final frame.
