Fabio Fognini retires from tennis after Wimbledon epic with Carlos Alcaraz: ‘The best way to say goodbye’

The veteran Italian pushed the Wimbledon favourite close in a thrilling first-round clash

Fabio Fognini has bade farewell to tennis (Ben Whitley/PA Wire)

Italy's Fabio Fognini has announced his retirement from tennis, calling time on a 21-year career that culminated with a memorable five-set thriller against defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz that left Centre Court on its feet.

The 38-year-old veteran pushed Alcaraz to the brink over more than 4-1/2 hours last week, twice clawing his way back into the contest against a player 16 years his junior before eventually falling 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 in the first round.

Despite the defeat, Fognini walked off to a standing ovation in his final Wimbledon appearance, a fitting farewell he clearly relished at what he described as the "most beautiful court in the world".

"I think it is the best way to say goodbye," Fognini, who once reached a career-high of world No 9, said.

"It wasn't easy because the last three years of my career I was suffering a lot with injury. But as a competitor, I tried to do my best every time I stepped on court.

"But now I have to be honest with myself. I was not really positive, but now I have to be. I have to congratulate myself and say after that match I don't want to come back in some stage that I don't want to be there."

Fognini is married to Flavia Pennetta, who famously won her first grand slam singles title at the 2015 US Open at the age of 33 before retiring later that year.

Fabio Fognini (right) shared an epic encounter with Carlos Alcaraz in his final match as a professional (AP)

However, Fognini said he had no such opportunities as he acknowledged the harsh reality of competing during the sport's golden era when the 'Big Three' of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic dominated the game.

"I was able to play in an era that probably is going to be the best era, forever, in the sport. I played against Roger, against Rafa, against Nole," he said.

"Winning a Slam for me was impossible. I have to be honest," he added with a smile.

Fognini had harboured hopes of ending his career at next year's Monte Carlo Masters, where he claimed his biggest title in 2019.

"My best dream was finishing next year in Monte Carlo. The main goal was that one because I was able to win the tournament," he said.

"But that's it, it was not possible. I'm happy the way I say goodbye to the professional tennis career. I did my best."

Reuters