Carlos Alcaraz said he felt “sad” that Fabio Fognini played what is thought to be his final game at Wimbledon on Monday after the pair battled it out in an enthralling five-set match in the opening round at the All England Club.
Alcaraz, who is looking to secure his third consecutive Wimbledon title, was pushed all the way by Fognini in the first-round match on Monday and claimed he felt the Italian was still up there with the best in the sport.
Fognini, 38, announced earlier this year that he would not return to his native Italian Open, with the general expectation for this to also be his farewell Wimbledon match.
The Italian has made the third round of the tournament on eight occasions but never surpassed that feat.
Fabio Fognini took Carlos Alcaraz to the fifth set during their four-hour opening round match on Monday
Reuters
Alcaraz, the overwhelming odds-on favourite for the title, came up against a stern test in Fognini who never gave in.
The world no 2 may be disappointed with his serve and unforced errors but can be impressed by the grit required to come out of the match victorious in the 30C heat at Wimbledon.
After the game, Alcaraz made his feelings clear on Fognini’s retirement, telling the BBC: "I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon because the level he is playing, he can still play for three or four more years.
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Carlos Alcaraz praised Fabio Fognini's quality and expressed he was 'sad' over his retirement
Reuters
"I have to give him the credit for such a great match.
"Fabio is a great player, he has shown his level and talent over his whole career.
“I’m just a little bit sad that it’s probably his last Wimbledon but I’m happy to have shared the court and the locker room with him, and we are going to enjoy the last of him."
Fognini has won nine ATP singles titles, along with the 2015 Australian Open doubles tournament and has a career-high ranking of nine.
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Alcaraz has already won five Grand Slams himself, but was quick to explain the challenges that come with playing at Wimbledon: "Playing the first match on Centre Court is not easy.
“I’ve been practising well but Wimbledon is different from all the other grass-court tournaments. It feels different. I can be better. I have to improve and work on things that I didn't do so well."
While Fognini entered his match against Alcaraz with an ATP rank of 138, the 22-year-old’s next match puts him against world no 733 qualifier Oliver Tarvet.
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Amateur Briton Oliver Tarvet won in his first-round match to set up a match against title favourite Carlos Alcaraz
Reuters
The Briton is currently enrolled at San Diego University, but can only claim £7,300 of his already-guaranteed purse of £99,000 due to rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which runs college sports, requiring players to stay amateur.
Alcaraz spoke on facing the 21-year-old: "I saw his name when he qualified for the first time. He is playing in college right now and is playing great on grass. If he is in the second round then he deserves it."
After his victory over fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi, in turn setting up the mouthwatering clash against Alcaraz, Target said: "As a kid, it's what you dream of.
“I came here when I was a little kid. It's what you work for. Obviously, it's a pretty long-term goal.
"But for it to happen so suddenly has been really special. I've come here and not really set myself any expectations. I'm quietly confident that I can win against anyone. Alcaraz isn't an exception to that.”
The pair face off at 11am on Wednesday, June 2.
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