Emotional Farewell: Fabio Fognini weeps after gutsy loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon

Fabio Fognini admitted he cried in the locker room after his painful defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in his final Wimbledon appearance. The veteran Italian put on a great performance in his last showing at the All England Club as he prepares for his retirement at the end of the season.

The 38-year-old player's match was expected to be a quiet debut for the Spaniard. Fognini hadn't secured a main draw win at ATP level since the Shanghai Masters in October 2024, and since then he'd only managed a few victories in qualifiers and Challenger tournaments.

Fognini arrived with 15 consecutive losses in ATP-level tournaments. However, he managed to push the two-time defending champion to the ropes in an inspired performance. It was little consolation as he ultimately lost 5-7, 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-2, 1-6, showcasing great spirit from the former world No. 9.

Fognini bid farewell to Centre Court to a standing ovation from the crowd after a five-set battle lasting almost 4 and a half hours. The Italian admitted in his press conference that he cried as soon as he reached the locker room after the defeat. "I was really emotional to be honest. I cried in the locker room," he commented.

"I didn't expect to play 5 sets against him. The way I was coming here, no expectation. Since I started the year this year after the injury, I was playing really bad," added the former Monte-Carlo Masters champion. "I didn't win many matches... There is no better way to play in this court with a great champion that I have a lot of respect for, and for his team, because I know them very very well."

Alcaraz advanced through difficulties to the second round of the tournament and will face local qualifier Oliver Tarvet, ranked world No. 719, who is the lowest-ranked player to enter the tournament's main draw. He defeated Leandro Riedi in straight sets and will have a golden opportunity to challenge the five-time Grand Slam champion.