THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 30, 2025

Fabio Fognini

Press Conference

C. ALCARAZ/F. Fognini

7-5, 6-7, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Fabio, that was quite a battle. Give us your thoughts right now.

FABIO FOGNINI: Tough to say something. Believe me. But, yeah, I think this probably best way to say hello to Wimbledon, yeah, and maybe for the tennis. That's what I'm thinking now. I am happy for sure. I have a lot of emotion coming to my mind.

Yes, was super amazing atmosphere over there. I enjoy a lot.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. When the draw came out, you were together. Did you say something about the match? Did you imagine could have gone this way?

FABIO FOGNINI: No, I think was already too early because I think both of us didn't know that we play each other. As I said before, to finish here, I can't ask a better way.

Now, of course, there is something that is salty in my mouth because I had my chance, if we speaking about tennis. In the beginning of fifth set, still there. But okay, he's a champion, he won two times here. At the moment I think he's probably the best player in the world. He play against Jannik one month ago amazing final.

So all the respect for him, yeah.

Q. You've obviously played against all the big three. How does facing Carlos compare?

FABIO FOGNINI: Unfortunately, yes (smiling).

Q. How does facing Carlos compare to those guys? What does he do that's so hard?

FABIO FOGNINI: Well, if I'm looking back and I see what I was able to do during my career, of course I just say one word, that I'm happy. Might be able sometimes some court was so-so, but that's part of the game. I play this game with a lot of passion, as you see, as everybody know it.

Yeah, I was lucky and I was unlucky to play over 15 years with big three, Andy and other 20 players, great players, great champion.

Now, yes, I have the chance also to play twice with Carlos and once with Jannik. As I say before, something strange. At the moment it's tough for me to say something because a lot of emotion, image coming in my mind. Yeah, probably in the next few days I can say something more.

Q. How do you think you'll look back at today?

FABIO FOGNINI: I was looking good, I think, no? Was great. I mean, if we make an analysis of the match, I think I lost the first set, and I didn't deserve to lose the first set. Then I was break down, and I won the second. He won the third. But I was up again 2-1 with break. This is probably, if we can say, the worst game when I was up with my serve. Then I won very good the fourth one.

Yes, the beginning of the fifth set was completely shit. I didn't deserve I think being 4-Love in the fifth set like that because I was 40-15 in the second game. I lost that game. I was 15-40, and I lost the game. I was 40-15 again and I lost the game. I didn't deserve to be 4-Love down. At least 2-2.

But I play with Carlos, I don't play with my friend or with Federico.

Q. What was going through your mind when Carlos pointed at you to get the applause after that match?

FABIO FOGNINI: Oh, was really emotional. I have to be honest, I cry in the locker room. I cry. Because, as I say, I didn't expect play five set against him. I have to be honest.

The way I was coming here, I was no expectation because since I start the year this year, after the injury, I was playing really bad. I didn't won so many matches.

So I say, okay. I was seven out at the beginning here in Wimbledon. I get in few last. I say before, there is no better way to play in this court with a great champion that I have a lot of respect with him and for his team, because I know them very, very well.