Carlos Alcaraz's opponent left in tears in Wimbledon locker room – 'I have to be honest'

Fabio Fognini has opened up about his emotional breakdown in the locker room following a gruelling five-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon. The former world No.9, who plans to retire after this season, nearly caused an upset against the two-time defending champion on Centre Court.

Despite being ranked No. 138 at the time of the match, Fognini put up a valiant fight before succumbing to the second seed with scores of 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. After the match, Alcaraz's request for applausefrom the crowd moved Fogninito tears.

Reflecting on the moment, he said: "Oh, it 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.

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

"So I say, okay. I was seven out [of making it into the main draw] 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."

Though Fognini couldn't defeat the five-time major winner, his final Wimbledon appearance will remain etched in his memory as a poignant farewell.

The tennis star, who hasn't clinched a tour-level match since October, added: "Tough to say something. Believe me. But, yeah, I think this probably best way to say [goodbye] 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 emotions coming to my mind. Yes, was super amazing atmosphere over there. I enjoy a lot."

Despite his joy at his valiant effort, Fognini still wasn't pleased with how the final set unfolded as Alcaraz swiftly took a 5-0 lead before clinching the set.

He said: "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 s***.

"I didn't deserve I think being 4-0 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."