In the storied realm of Wimbledon, surprises are as much a tradition as strawberries and cream. Even top players frequently falter before the third round. Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz experienced this firsthand in a taxing match against the ageless Fabio Fognini, and John McEnroe delivered a message regarding the Italian tennis player.
The draw matched Alcaraz against Fognini, a former top-10 player in what is likely his swan song season. Despite being 38, Fognini demonstrated his signature technical prowess and elicited admiration from the crowd with his sheer class, elegance, and competitive spirit.
Fognini’s persistence pushed Alcaraz into a challenging five-setter. The defending champion ultimately triumphed over the Italian, securing a 7-5, 6-7, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 victory after more than four and a half grueling hours on court.
This exhausting opening round at such a demanding event highlights the Italian’s exceptional play. Alcaraz himself, speaking to his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, marveled at Fognini’s enduring level of performance, joking, “He’ll be playing like this at 50.”
McEnroe’s take on Fognini’s future
When McEnroe, a three-time Wimbledon champion, speaks, the tennis world listens. Following the match, McEnroe opined through the BBC that it was the ideal time for Fognini to bow out, labeling it “the perfect ending.”
“Fortunately for Alcaraz, by the fourth set, the crowd realized just how extraordinary Fognini was playing,” McEnroe remarked. “At times, Fognini appeared fresher than Alcaraz, despite their 16-year age gap! What’s going on here?”
McEnroe also revealed a conversation with Fognini’s wife, 2015 US Open champion Flavia Pennetta, who agreed it might be time for her husband to spend more time with family. Both understand the tour’s relentless demands, a sentiment echoed by Fognini’s announcement that this would be his final season.
The Italian has already received standing ovations, including at his last match at the Masters 1000 in Rome, and earned similar recognition at Wimbledon, with Alcaraz joining in the applause, acknowledging Fognini’s stellar performance.
Alcaraz’s praise for Fognini
Post-match, the Spaniard star offered high praise for his opponent, “When you see your adversary playing like Fabio did, especially in the fourth set, there are moments where you run out of answers. Fabio played brilliant tennis. I expressed my deep respect for him after the match, admiring his career achievements and today’s performance. It’s always a pleasure to share the court with him.”