Fabio Fognini decided to retire from professional tennis earlier than expected.
At the Italian Open in May, the 38-year-old suggested he would hang up his racket within the next 12 months.
But following Fognini’s epic five-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon, he has chosen to bring his retirement forward.
This has brought an end to an impressive career for one of the most entertaining and unpredictable players of this generation, and he has since been congratulated by one of the game’s greatest.
Rafael Nadal congratulates Fabio Fognini after he announced his retirement
Fabio Fognini used a press conference in London to confirm his retirement from professional tennis.
“Today is something official. I say goodbye to everybody,” Fognini said. “It was the perfect way to say goodbye to this sport.
“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. Winning a Slam for me was impossible. I have to be honest.
“My best dream was finishing next year in Monte-Carlo. The main goal was that one because I was able to win the tournament. I’ve grown up there. But that’s it. It was not possible.”
He has since received a message from former rival Rafael Nadal who used social media to congratulate Fognini.
“Congratulations @fabiofogna on a great career,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion wrote. “I wish you all the best for the future.
What is Fabio Fognini’s head-to-head record against Rafael Nadal?
Fognini played in an era where he committed multiple matches against the ‘Big 3’ of Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
He contested 18 career matches against the Spaniard and though Fognini won just four of those encounters, he was always a threat to the former world number one.
Three of Fognini’s wins over Nadal came in 2015, including that year’s US Open when he came from two sets down to win 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Fognini’s last victory over Nadal came in 2019 at the Monte Carlo Masters. He defeated Nadal 6-4, 6-2 in the semi-finals and went on to win the title, the biggest of his career.
Their last meeting came at the 2022 US Open, where Nadal came from behind to win 2-6 6-4 6-2 6-1.
