Fabio Fognini has announced his retirement . In a press conference at Wimbledon, the 38-year-old Ligurian tennis player made his decision to retire from competitive tennis known. "This is the best way to say goodbye," he said .

A farewell that comes after the splendid performance in the first round of Wimbledon, in which he put Carlos Alcaraz on the ropes, only losing in the fifth set .

"The night before the match against Alcaraz, my goal was to have fun and play the best tennis possible," Fognini explained. "Everything led me to this decision. I've suffered a lot from injuries in recent years. After major injuries, at my age, it becomes increasingly difficult. I think this is the best decision I could make. I've played on the most important court in the world; it's the perfect farewell ."

"After the match with Alcaraz, I don't want to go back," added the Ligurian tennis player, referring to the fact that his current ranking doesn't allow him to enter the main draw at major tournaments directly. "This sport has been with me my whole life and will continue to do so. I will always cherish so many wonderful memories. I played in the era of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. The best players. I was lucky to experience that era . The goal was to retire in Monte Carlo next year, but that's life. I'm happy to say goodbye now. I won't be playing any more tournaments; I'm leaving today."

An extraordinary talent, but with a shaky serve and an inconsistent head, Fabio Fognini was the first Italian to win a Masters 1000 title, in Monte Carlo in 2019. He was a top-ten finisher and always dedicated himself wholeheartedly to Davis Cup tennis. Before the movement exploded, he was the driving force and spearhead of Italian tennis for years .

His splendid performance against Alcaraz, at the end of which he exited to the applause of the Wimbledon centre court and the Spanish champion himself, is a fitting swan song for a player who has always entertained tennis fans.

(Unioneonline/L)

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