'I Say Goodbye To Everybody': Fabio Fognini Announces Retirement From Tennis

Last Updated:July 09, 2025, 19:17 IST

Fognini was renowned for his unpredictable behaviour on court, willingly describing himself as a hothead.

Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini announces retirement. (Picture Credit: AP)

Fabio Fognini announced his retirement from tennis at Wimbledon on Wednesday, ending his career as one of the sport’s most colourful characters.

Fognini had disclosed before the Rome Masters in May that he intended to retire within the next 12 months. However, the 38-year-old Italian decided to bring forward his retirement, with his last match being a five-set loss to defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in the first round at the All England Club last week.

“Today is something official. I say goodbye to everybody," Fognini told reporters.

Fognini’s highest position in the ATP rankings was ninth in 2019, and he won nine ATP Tour titles, including his sole Masters 1000 victory in Monte Carlo in 2019.

He is remembered for his remarkable five-set comeback win against Rafael Nadal at the US Open in 2015 and his victory over then world number one Andy Murray in Rome in 2017.

Fognini was well-known for his erratic behaviour on court, often referring to himself as a hothead. He was fined at Wimbledon in 2019 for saying during a match that he wished “a bomb would explode at the club". This incident followed his suspension from the 2017 US Open for insulting a female chair umpire. In 2014, Fognini was fined $27,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct at Wimbledon.

Currently ranked 138th, Fognini, whose best Grand Slam performance was a quarter-final appearance at the 2011 French Open, explained that injuries had significantly impacted his career.

“The last three years of my career I was suffering a lot with injuries," he said.

“After that match against Alcaraz, I don’t want to come back on some stage where I don’t want to be. After this tournament, I will drop in the rankings.

“I will still love this sport. I have a lot of memories in my head. I played against Roger (Federer), Rafa, against Nole (Novak Djokovic). Winning a Slam for me was impossible.

“I told my wife (former female star Flavia Pennetta) two days ago that this was my decision. I’m happy with the way I said goodbye to the professional tennis career. I did my best. I’m leaving today."

(With inputs from AFP)

News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published:

News sports 'I Say Goodbye To Everybody': Fabio Fognini Announces Retirement From Tennis