Wimbledon star John McEnroe told to retire immediately wants chat with BBC pundit

Fabio Fognini wants to speak with John McEnroe in the second week of Wimbledon, after the BBC pundit told him to retire immediately after his first-round defeat to Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian, 38, did call a press conference nine days later to confirm he would be hanging up his racket at SW19.

Fognini, who was without an ATP Tour win in 2025, forced two-time defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz into a five-set thriller on the opening day of the tournament. That same day, McEnroe said that after chatting with the player's wife, Fognini should quit at what the American deemed the most ideal moment.

"This was the perfect ending for Fognini," McEnroe said on the BBC. "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.

"I played Flavia 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."

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During his farewell press conference, in which his retirement was confirmed, Fognini stated that he wants to speak to McEnroe before leaving SW19.

When asked if McEnroe's comments impacted his decision, the veteran replied: "No. I would love. John is one of my best idol, for sure. Hope to met him today. I mean, I'm here until tomorrow, so hopefully I have a chance to meet him."

Fognini opened the press conference by saying: "I would like to say few words, yes, guys. Hello and thank you for coming.

"I was here week ago probably, more than a week ago, and I left something. I think today is something then is official. I say goodbye to everybody.

"Yes, I mean, it's something that was in my mind already. You guys know. This week with my family, first week of Wimbledon was really busy, more than tennis, because Flavia was working for TV and I was home. I have no time left to think about what I did. I think it's the best way to say goodbye.

"It's not easy to say. I mean, [it] was the perfect way to say goodbye to this sport. As I said, last Monday here, I was able to play in an era that probably is going to be the best era forever in the sport. I play against Roger [Federer], against Rafa [Nadal], against Nole [Novak Djokovic]. Winning a slam for me was impossible. I have to be honest."

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