Fabio Fognini Announces Retirement
LONDON (AP) — Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini, a former top-10 competitor, officially announced his retirement from professional tennis at Wimbledon on Wednesday. This decision came shortly after his intense first-round match against the reigning champion, Carlos Alcaraz, which he lost in a gripping five-set encounter.
Match Details
Fognini, who is 38 years old, battled Alcaraz for over four and a half hours, ultimately succumbing with a score of 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. This defeat marked the tenth consecutive loss for Fognini, further extending his struggles this season, where he has yet to secure a win in seven attempts.
Press Conference Insights
During a press conference held at the All England Club, Fognini expressed that he felt it was the right moment to conclude his career, stating,
“It’s the best way to say goodbye.”
He had previously indicated that he would retire at the end of the season but opted to announce his exit sooner than expected.
Career Highlights
Fognini departs the sport after participating in 63 Grand Slam tournaments, with his most notable achievement being a quarterfinal appearance at the 2011 French Open, although he could not compete in that round due to a thigh injury.
Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond his career highlights, Fognini is also known for his marriage to Flavia Pennetta, the 2015 U.S. Open champion. Following his match with Alcaraz, Fognini made a poignant request for one of Alcaraz’s shirts as a keepsake for his eldest child, drawing a personal connection amidst his professional career’s conclusion.
Controversies and Fines
Fognini has made headlines not just for his skills on the court but also for his controversial behavior, which often led to fines. His history includes being penalized $3,000 at Wimbledon in 2019 for a volatile outburst and a staggering $27,500 fine in 2014 due to multiple incidents. He was placed on probation by the Grand Slam Board in 2017 after an altercation with a female chair umpire during the U.S. Open.
Final Rankings
With nine career singles titles to his name, Fognini’s last victory came at the Monte Carlo Masters in 2019, and that same year he ascended to the No. 9 spot in the ATP rankings, making history as the first Italian man in the top 10 since 1979. As of now, he holds the 138th rank in the professional standings.
