Fabio Fognini warmed hearts with his post-match plea following a final Wimbledon appearance against Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian, 38, nearly caused an upset before second seed Alcaraz took control in the final set, winning 7-5 6-7 (5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 after four hours and 37 minutes on a baking hot Centre Court.

Fognini's last hurrah at Wimbledon was always going to be emotional, especially as his son Federico is an avid fan of Alcaraz. Despite this, Fognini had sternly told Federico not to greet the reigning champion, which didn't go down well.

Fognini said: "I explained to him that he was my opponent and that it wasn't appropriate, and he immediately got angry. I even gave him a rather simple directive, 'Don't say hello to him, look at him badly, he's my opponent.'"

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His stance shifted after the match, though, with Fognini seen asking Alcaraz for a shirt for his son, saying: "Charly, I want your shirt for Federico."

Reflecting on his performance, the ex-world No. 9 expressed pride in entertaining his family at the tournament, despite his son's brutal prediction about the outcome. He said via Telenord: "When the draw came out, Federico said to me, 'Dad, you're playing with Carlitos. You're going to lose anyway. But can I come and watch it?'

"I didn't hesitate. Flavia (his wife) was able to be there, and it was beautiful. Federico was also able to take Carlitos' shirt. If he told me I was good? Yes, and we even cried a little together."

Reflecting on the match, he said: "It was very emotional. I didn't expect to be able to play five sets against him. There was no better way to leave. Against a champion, with enormous respect for him and his team. I'm very, very proud.

"Sport sometimes gives you, sometimes takes away. Today, I gave it my all. That fifth set was a bit cruel, but I spoke to him for a long time during the final hug. Now I need a few days to reflect. I'm 38, I've done a lot, and I have to think about what comes next."

Lorenzo Musetti, his fellow Italian tennis player, honoured him on Facebook, posting: "Thank you Fabio. 38 years old and you've given birth to an epic battle, you've come close to beating the Wimbledon champion.

"You are a phenomenon. We'll miss you at Wimbledon. You enchanted 59 million Italians in two decades. We are proud of you forever."

Alcaraz also expressed admiration for the veteran, questioning his decision to retire at the end of the season. He said: "To be honest, I don't know why it's his last Wimbledon, he can still play three or four more years. Unbelievable.

"Playing the first match is never easy. I've been playing well on grass but Wimbledon is different. I tried to play the best I could but I would say I could be better. It was a great match."

Next up for Alcaraz is British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, the world No. 733, who triumphed over fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi in straight sets in the first round. The showdown is due to be the second match on Centre Court on Wednesday afternoon.

"I saw his name when he qualified for the first time, he's in the second round so he's at a level. I will have to bring my best tennis to the match," said Alcaraz.