“He lost to the strongest player in history”: Fabio Fognini backs Sinner after Australian Open disappointment

Fabio Fognini is now firmly in retirement, eight months removed from the five-set Wimbledon defeat to Carlos Alcaraz that marked the final match of his professional career. The former world No. 9, winner of nine ATP titles including the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters, appeared this week in Tenerife as a guest at an international tennis event hosted at the Abama Resort.

The Italian played his last tournament at Wimbledon 2025, where he delivered a notable performance in the first round against Carlos Alcaraz, taking the two-time defending champion to a fifth set, in which Alcaraz faced one of his toughest challenges on his way to the final. It was a farewell with honors for Fognini, who has since transitioned into a public and ambassadorial role.

The Italian was present this morning at the Tenerife Challenger – a Challenger 75 category event – not as a competitor, but as an ambassador of the tournament, helping to give it visibility and participating in several promotional activities, including an exhibition, and meeting with the press.

In statements reported by UbiTennis, Fabio Fognini opened up about his time away from the courts. “For some time now I’ve been a spectator, but I’m happy with this new role of mine. Tennis is always in my blood. Sometimes I miss it, sometimes I don’t, but it’s also nice to watch it from the outside and see how these guys are progressing.”

He also highlighted his appreciation for the venue and the event itself, underlining his continued presence within the tennis ecosystem despite retirement. “It’s an important tournament. I’m happy to be in this beautiful facility. The Abama Resort is extraordinary and I gladly returned to this island.”

Attention quickly turned to the current leaders of the men’s game, particularly Jannik Sinner following his Australian Open semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic. Fognini urged moderation in the reaction surrounding the defeat. “He lost to the strongest player in history. Let’s not make a drama out of it. I know Jannik, he’ll restart on the right foot.”

The Italian contextualized Djokovic’s victory within the broader narrative of elite competition, pointing to the unpredictability that still defines the very top of the sport. “Nobody had Djokovic winning against Sinner in a Slam semifinal. Champions can do anything and he once again showed his value.”

On Carlos Alcaraz, who was also responsible for ending Fognini’s Wimbledon run in 2025, the former top 10 player delivered a clear assessment of the sport’s future direction. “He and Jannik are two predestined players, completely different from each other. They are starting to write important pages in our sport and they have many years ahead.”

Fognini also addressed Lorenzo Musetti’s development and recent decision to adjust his coaching structure. Observing from outside the competitive circuit, he framed his role as supportive rather than analytical. “From the outside I can only support him. I’m happy for Lorenzo and for the choice he made."

"I know José well and I’m sure that together with Tartarini he will help him express his best level.” In his view, the margin between Musetti and the very top is psychological as much as technical. “He still needs that final click to settle in the top 5 and aim even higher.”

When discussion shifted toward comparisons between eras, Fognini resisted simplistic narratives about opportunity or difficulty across generations. “In my time in front of me I had Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, Wawrinka and many others. Winning a Slam was anyone’s dream, but you had to be aware of the level that was there.”

He added a measured perspective on today’s landscape. “Maybe today there are more chances to achieve a big result at a Slam, but making comparisons is useless.”

Fognini also reflected on his television experience after retirement, describing it as unexpectedly demanding. “It was very tough. I managed to lose six kilos, but I enjoyed it. I learned a new profession, I met fantastic people and I showed a side of myself that the public didn’t know. I won there too, but beyond the final result my goal was to show the real Fabio Fognini.”