A BBC pundit urged a Wimbledon star to retire immediately – after an emotional chat with his wife.
John McEnroe is working for the Beeb once again this year.
Fabio Fognini is married to former tennis star Flavia Pennetta[/caption]
And following Fabio Fognini’s defeat to Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court, he reckons the Italian should call it a day.
Fiery Fognini, 38, has already revealed this will be his final year on the ATP Tour.
He received a wonderful send-off at his home tournament, the Italian Open in Rome.
But after his thrilling five-set battle with defending champion Alcaraz as he caused an almighty scare, McEnroe reckons this would be the perfect way to bow out.
The American legend, 66, even revealed he recently had a heartfelt chat with Fognini’s wife – former world No6 and 2015 US Open champion Flavia Pennetta.
Pennetta, 43, who retired weeks after her Flushing Meadows glory, agrees it is time for her husband to call it a day and stick to family life and help with their three kids.
McEnroe said on the BBC: “This was the perfect ending for Fognini.
“Luckily for Alcaraz, towards the end of the fourth set, the crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievable.
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“Carlos looked more tired than Fognini even though there’s a 16-year age gap! What in the hell is going on here?
“So the crowd started rallying behind Alcaraz and that picked him up a little bit.
“I almost hope that [Fognini] doesn’t play anymore because I’m not sure he can play any better than that.
“I played Flavio Panetta in seniors mixed doubles at the French Open and she thinks it’s time for Fabio to be at home more with the kids.
“I think she is ready for her husband to be home more.”
Fognini took in the adulation of the 15,000-strong Centre Court crowd as he waved goodbye to the All England Club one final time.
And although he may opt to play the US Open, the world No138 admitted that could be the last tennis fans see of him on any court.
Fognini – whose match was suspended for 15 minutes due to a fan medical emergency in the crowd – said: “It’s tough for me to speak, believe me.
“But, yeah, I think this is probably the best way to say [goodbye] to Wimbledon, and maybe to tennis.
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“That’s what I’m thinking now. I am happy, for sure. I have a lot of emotions coming to my mind.”
Alcaraz was glowing in his praise for Fognini after the tough 7-5 6-7 7-5 2-6 6-1 victory.
The Spaniard said: “I don’t know why it is Fabio’s last Wimbledon because of the level – he can still play for three or four years.
“I had to give him the credit for such a great match. Fabio is a great player.
“I’m just a little bit sad it is his last Wimbledon but I’m happy to have shared the court and locker room with him.”
No2 seed Alcaraz faces British student Oliver Tarvet, the world No733, in the second round – but the St Albans-born star can only claim a fraction of his £99,000 prize money.
Carlos Alcaraz needed five sets to get past Fognini[/caption]
