John McEnroe urges Wimbledon star to immediately retire after talking to his wife

John McEnroe has urged Fabio Fognini to hang up his racket following the Italian's valiant defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon on Monday. In what is his farewell season, Fognini showed remarkable spirit as he fought back to take the match against world No.2 to a thrilling fifth set.

And tennis legend McEnroe believes that his final outing at SW19 is the perfect finales for Fognini.

Despite a year without a tour-level victory, the seasoned pro gave the two-time - and reigning - Wimbledon champ, an almighty scare, captivating the Centre Court crowd with an array of flamboyant trick shots, warm-hearted interactions with Alcaraz, and drawing roars from the spectators in his final bow at the prestigious tournament.

Following a heart-to-heart with Fognini's wife, Flavia Pennetta, during a recent seniors event, McEnroe feels even more convinced that the time is ripe for the 38 year old to retire. Pennetta herself retired ten years ago and, according to McEnroe, she's keen for her husband to step down from professional tennis to invest more time with their family.

McEnroe shared his thoughts on the BBC, stating: "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.

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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?

"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.

"I played Flavio Panetta in seniors mixed doubles at the French [Open] and she thinks it's time for Fabio to be at home more with the kids. I think she is ready for her husband to be home more."

Alcaraz paid a touching tribute to Fognini during his post-match interview, but unlike McEnroe, he questioned his decision to retire off the back of his exciting first-round display.

But Fognini hinted that his mind may already be made up, saying: "It's tough for me to speak, believe me. But, yeah, I think this is probably the best way to say [goodbye] to Wimbledon, and maybe to tennis.

"That's what I'm thinking now. I am happy, for sure. I have a lot of emotions coming to my mind."