Fabio Fognini’s final Wimbledon appearance turned into an unforgettable farewell as the 38-year-old Italian pushed defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to five sets in a gripping first-round battle. Despite falling short 7–5, 6–7(5), 7–5, 2–6, 6–1, Fognini left Centre Court with his head held high—and a heart full of emotion.
After the match, Fognini shared that the experience overwhelmed him once he returned to the locker room. “I was really emotional to be honest. I cried in the locker room,” he admitted. “Because as I said, I didn’t expect to play five 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. I didn’t win many matches.”
Fognini, who has announced plans to retire at the end of the season, entered Wimbledon ranked outside the top 100 and winless in 2025. Yet on the sport’s most iconic stage, he summoned vintage form and nearly pulled off a stunning upset against the world No. 2.
“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,” Fognini said, reflecting on the moment.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with Fognini’s shot-making and court craft drawing admiration from fans and fellow players alike. Alcaraz, who ultimately prevailed, praised Fognini’s performance and questioned why this would be his final Wimbledon, suggesting the veteran still has plenty of game left.
As Fognini steps away from the Grand Slam spotlight, his swan song at SW19 will be remembered not just for the scoreline, but for the raw emotion and enduring passion he brought to the court one last time.
Alcaraz in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked world no.2, the Spaniard achieved a composed 43-5 match record in 2025. Carlos is playing in Wimbledon where he defeated the world no.138 Fabio Fognini 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1
.Carlos Alcaraz will compete against the world no.733 Oliver Tarvet in the 2nd round. In the past, they have never played each other till now in top events.
The Spaniard has won 5 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open and London. Alcaraz was the runner-up in Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell).
The Spaniard won 22 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 11 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Fabio Fognini in 2025
Ranked no.138, the Italian played his last match on the 1st of January 1970 when he lost to world no.2 Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 in the 1st round in Wimbledon (draw).
Currently, during this year the Italian owns an overall 4-15 win-loss record.
Carlos Alcaraz and Fabio Fognini faced off 3 times. Their actual record is 3-0 for Alcaraz.