John McEnroe straight up tells Wimbledon star he should retire now after speaking to his wife

Wales Online

8 hours ago

John McEnroe straight up tells Wimbledon star he should retire now after speaking to his wife
John McEnroe has urged Fabio Fognini to call time on his professional tennis career after the Italian was beaten by reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court
John McEnroe urged Fabio Fognini to call it quits early
(Image: BBC )
John McEnroe believes that Fabio Fognini should consider retirement following his spirited defeat to Carlos Alcaraz on Monday.
The Italian tennis star is currently in his final professional season, and McEnroe believes that his last Wimbledon appearance would be the ideal way to conclude his career.
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Fognini fought back twice from behind to force a fifth and decisive set against second seed Alcaraz. Despite not having secured a tour-level win this year, the seasoned player gave the reigning champion a hard battle and pushed him to his limits in the intense heat.
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The Centre Court crowd rallied around Fognini as he made his final bow at the All England Club, marked by a series of impressive trick shots, friendly exchanges and cheers of approval from spectators.
McEnroe's desire for Fognini to retire only recently strengthened after speaking to the 38-year-old's wife, Flavia Pennetta, at a seniors event. Pennetta retired from the sport 10 years ago and, according to McEnroe, she is ready for Fognini to step away from the tour and spend more time with their family.
"This was the perfect ending for Fognini," the American told the BBC, via the Express. "Fortunately for Alcaraz, towards the end of the fourth set, the crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievably.
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Fognini's wife, Flavia Pennetta, is also keen for the tennis star to retire in the near future
(Image: Giuseppe Cottini/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images )
"Carlos looked more exhausted than Fognini despite there being a 16-year age difference! What on earth is happening 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.
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"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."
Fognini's final match at Wimbledon was an impressive one
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During his post-match celebrations, Alcaraz offered a touching tribute to Fognini; however, he harboured doubts about McEnroe's views on his retirement following the sterling first-round performance.
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Despite this vote of confidence from the young tennis ace, Fognini intimated that his decision might already be made. He said: "It's tough for me to speak, believe me.
"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."