Fabio Fognini swapped the tennis courts for the ballroom after being urged to retire at Wimbledon by John McEnroe. The courts at SW19 will miss the former Grand Slam star, as he misses out on being at the tournament for the first time in 17 years.
Fognini’s wife, Flavia Pannetta, agreed with McEnroe’s assessment of Fognini’s future – but insisted that the decision was down to him. The 39-year-old pushed Carlos Alcaraz all the way in the first round last year, winning the second and fourth sets to send it to a final set thriller. The Spaniard ultimately defeated Fognini and McEnroe believed he should hang up his racket on a high. At the time, the seven-time Grand Slam winner said while working for the BBC: “This was the perfect ending for Fognini. 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.”
Pannetta agreed with the BBC commentator’s statement after retiring from tennis herself in 2015. The US Open winner said goodbye to tennis a decade ago and now shares three children with Fognini.
Discussing her husband’s plans for retirement, Pannetta told Corriere della Sera: “I hope he finishes with the wonderful feelings of the match with Alcaraz. 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.”
When pushed on if Fognini has asked for advice, she added: “In his own way. I am his mirror. I do not lie to him. But the choice is his.”
Just a few weeks later, Fognini would announce his retirement and go on to compete on the Italian version of Dancing With the Stars. He would place third on the show and noted that he had a temporary new career thanks to his participation.
The 39-year-old said: “I learned a new job because, in the end, it was my job for three months. I met fantastic people and presented myself in a way that was unfamiliar. And as if that weren’t enough, I also won, so I’m happy to show that side of Fabio Fognini that few knew.”
Speaking about his triumph on the programme, Fognini added: “It wasn’t just dance; it was a journey within myself. I’ve discovered a new Fabio, I’ve taken off the armour.
“Third place is worth a gold medal. My wife Flavia Pennetta believed in it before I did.”