At Wimbledon earlier this summer, the tennis world said goodbye to another star of the golden generation, as Fabio Fognini bid farewell to fans on Centre Court.
In the final match of his career, Fognini forced Carlos Alcaraz to a fifth set and was on the verge of delivering an enormous upset in round one at the championships.
It wasn’t to be for the 38-year-old Italian, however, who conceded the decisive set to Alcaraz, before receiving a standing ovation from the crowd as he left the court for the final time.
Over a month after announcing his retirement, Fognini has reflected on his decision to move on to pastures new.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty ImagesFabio Fognini speaks about his retirement after Wimbledon
In an interview with Tennis World Italia, he said: “Since I stopped playing, I haven’t touched my racket and I’ve watched very few highlights of the Wimbledon match.
“I haven’t had the chance to see myself again, being very self-critical. I haven’t seen myself again yet; I haven’t made it.
“I’ve never hidden myself with words; I have to be honest. Everyone has their own personality.”
“Some guys might ask me for advice on management. I’ve had my career, could I have done more? Yes. I think not changing as a player has been my best quality.
“For me, the person comes before the player; winning shouldn’t have changed me as a person. I’m happy to have the opportunity to talk about it now.”
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty ImagesFabio Fognini’s career achievements
Fognini won nine ATP singles titles since turning professional in 2004, eight of which came on his preferred surface of clay.
The former world number nine clinched a maiden Masters 1000 crown in 2019, when he emerged victorious in Monte-Carlo.
In singles his best result at a major was a quarterfinal finish at the French Open in 2011, but in doubles he is a Grand Slam champion.
Alongside compatriot Simone Bolelli, Fognini won the 2015 Australian Open title, with the two becoming the first all-Italian men’s pair to win a major title in the Open Era.