Fabio Fognini has swapped the tennis courts for the ballroom after being urged to retire at Wimbledon by John McEnroe. The former Italian tennis star, 39, pushed Carlos Alcaraz to a five-set thriller in the first round last year before ultimately losing. McEnroe, commentating for the BBC, said Fognini should hang up his racket on a high, and Fognini's wife, Flavia Pennetta, agreed.
McEnroe's Praise and Advice
During the match, McEnroe said: "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. 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."
Wife's Support
Pennetta, a US Open winner who retired in 2015, told Corriere della Sera: "I hope he finishes with the wonderful feelings of the match with Alcaraz. He was very good, I am proud; for me it is as if he had won. If he were to continue he would risk ruining that moment." When asked if Fognini sought her advice, she added: "In his own way. I am his mirror. I do not lie to him. But the choice is his."
New Career on the Dance Floor
Fognini soon announced his retirement and joined the Italian version of Dancing With the Stars, where he placed third. He said: "I learned a new job because, in the end, it was my job for three months. I met fantastic people and presented myself in a way that was unfamiliar. And as if that weren't enough, I also won, so I'm happy to show that side of Fabio Fognini that few knew."
Reflecting on his dance journey, Fognini added: "It wasn't just dance; it was a journey within myself. I've discovered a new Fabio, I've taken off the armour. Third place is worth a gold medal. My wife Flavia Pennetta believed in it before I did."
Fognini misses Wimbledon for the first time in 17 years, but his memorable performance against Alcaraz and his subsequent dance success have given him a new chapter beyond tennis.
