That was Fognini’s 10th straight tour-level defeat and he has opted to retire immediately, instead of at the end of the season as initially planned.
“Today is something official. I say goodbye to everybody,” said the Italian at a press conference.
Fognini won nine ATP titles, the last at Monte Carlo in 2019, and reached No. 9 in the world rankings.
He finishes his career with a 426-396 win-loss record and 17 wins against top-10 players, including beating then-world No. 1 Andy Murray in Rome in 2017.
Wimbledon was his 63rd Grand Slam tournament, with his best result when he reached the French Open quarter-finals in 2011. He didn’t play the quarter-final against Novak Djokovic due to injury.
Fognini had an “emotional” send-off after losing on Centre Court to Alcaraz, who stood and clapped as the Italian made his way off in front of wife and former tennis player Flavia Pennetta.
“I have to be honest, I cried in the locker room,” said Fognini afterwards. “Because, as I say, I didn’t expect to play five sets against him. I have to be honest.
“The way I was coming here, I had no expectation because since I start the year this year, after the injury, I was playing really bad. I didn’t win many matches.”
Fognini added in his farewell press conference that it was “impossible” for him to win a Grand Slam in the era of the ‘Big Three’.
“I was able to play in an era that probably is going to be the best era forever in the sport,” he said.
“I play against Roger (Federer), against Rafa (Nadal), against Nole (Novak Djokovic). Winning a Slam for me was impossible. I have to be honest.
“I have been suffering a lot with injury in the last three years of my career. As a competitor, I try to push myself every time after big injury. At the age of 35, 36, 38, it’s not easy.
“But I think that’s the best decision that I did at the moment, play in the most beautiful court in the world with a guy that everybody know. Is the perfect picture that we keep forever in my room.
