Carlos Alcaraz’s First Words to Retiring Wimbledon Rival Echoes Every Tennis Fans’ Wish

Carlos Alcaraz’s hunger to win titles never ends! Shortly after lifting his fifth major title at the 2025 French Open, Alcaraz got off to a winning start on grass as well. He defeated Jiri Lehecka in the final of the HSBC Championships in a three-set thriller. Following that, just before stepping onto the courts at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships to defend his title for one more time, he said, “I really want to win the title, I really want to lift the trophy.” Can Alcaraz add yet another feather to his cap by winning the title third time in a row at Wimbledon? Time will tell! Although he got off to a winning start by defeating Italy’s Fabio Fognini by 7-5,6(5)-7,7-5,2-6,6-1 in the first round, the 38-year-old nearly forced a major upset in this tournament. What was Alcaraz’s reaction after this match?

Fabio Fognini’s best record at Wimbledon has been reaching the third round. He has reached the third round seven times in his career, but has failed to go past that round on each of those occasions. Fognini turned pro in 2004, and throughout this span, he has won nine singles titles and his best record at the major has been reaching the QF in 2011. However, just a few weeks he announced that “it’s time” to bring an end to his amazing tennis career. At the Roland Garros, he couldn’t qualify for the main draw, and then at Wimbledon, he had to face the defending champion in his very first match. A sad ending, but surely the Italian will leave the court with his head held high.

Reacting to the amazing performance from the Italian, Carlos Alcaraz said, “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon. The level he showed, he can still play for 3 or 4 more years. Unbelievable. I just have to give him the credit for such a great match. Fabio is a great player. He’s shown his level and talent throughout his whole career. Once again, he showed it today. I’m a little sad it’s probably his last Wimbledon. Just happy to have lived and shared the court and locker room with him. We are gonna enjoy the last of him.”

Carlos Alcaraz had kind words for Fabio Fognini after beating him in his final Wimbledon

“I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon. The level he showed, he can still play for 3 or 4 more years. Unbelievable. I just have to give him the credit for such a great match. Fabio is a… pic.twitter.com/zR3f4sdDC4

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 30, 2025

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