Flavia Pannetta has backed John McEnroe's view that her husband Fabio Fognini should retire from tennis following his remarkable performance against Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
The 38-year-old Italian pushed the defending champion to five sets in their first-round encounter on Monday, earning widespread praise for his display.
McEnroe suggested during BBC commentary that Fognini should end his career on this high note, believing he is unlikely to produce another performance of such calibre at this stage.
Pannetta, the former world number six who retired in 2015, agreed with the American's assessment whilst speaking to Corriere della Sera.
John McEnroe told Fabio Fognini to retire after his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz
PA"This was the perfect ending for Fognini," McEnroe said whilst commentating for the BBC.
"Luckily for Alcaraz, towards the end of the fourth set, the crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievable.
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"Carlos looked more tired than Fognini even though there's a 16-year age gap! What in the hell is going on here?"
The seven-time Grand Slam champion continued: "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."
McEnroe also revealed he had recently played a seniors mixed doubles match against Pannetta, noting she is "ready for her husband to be home more."
"I hope he finishes with the wonderful feelings of the match with Alcaraz," Pannetta told Corriere della Sera.
"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."
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Fabio Fognini has admitted this might be his final appearance at Wimbledon as a playerReutersThe 43-year-old, who shares three children with Fognini after nine years of marriage, was asked whether her husband seeks her counsel on retirement.
"In his own way. I am his mirror. I do not lie to him. But the choice is his," she responded.
Fognini, formerly ranked ninth in the world, had attempted to qualify for the French Open earlier this year but lost in the first qualifying round.
Despite the calls for retirement from both McEnroe and his wife, Alcaraz expressed a different perspective on Fognini's future.
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Fabio Fognini took Carlos Alcaraz all the way in a thrilling first-round at WimbledonReuters"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," the Spanish champion told the BBC. "I have to give him the credit for such a great match."
The 21-year-old admitted he would be "sad" to see the Italian leave the sport after being pushed so hard in their encounter.
Alcaraz ultimately prevailed in the fifth set, though the scoreline did not reflect Fognini's spirited performance that won over the Wimbledon crowd.
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