"Carlos Alcaraz finds my dances hilarious" - Fabio Fognini opens up about Spaniard following his 'Dancing With The Stars' journey

Fabio Fognini recently spoke up about Carlos Alcaraz following his appearances on Ballando con la Stelle, the Italian version of the popular dance reality TV show 'Dancing with the Stars'. According to Fognini, Alcaraz told him that he keeps up with his appearances on the show despite finding his dance moves humorous.

The Italian, who called time on his tennis-playing career earlier this year, first appeared on Ballando con la Stelle in 2024 as a contestant and remarkably won the competition. Since then, the former World No. 9 has continued to be associated with the show, notably making a guest appearance and dancing to Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire" alongside professional dancer Giada Lini.

Appearing yet again on a recent episode of the show, Fabio Fognini recalled an exchange with Carlos Alcaraz on the day the Spaniard took to the Inalpi Arena court in Turin, Italy, for the final of the 2025 ATP Finals against Jannik Sinner. Briefly touching on the encouraging words Alcaraz told him, the Italian said:

"Even with Alcaraz on Sunday, before the final, we talked about my dancing: he said he finds my dances really hilarious, he's following me." (translated from Italian)

Interestingly, Fognini played his last competitive match against Alcaraz on the biggest stage there is in tennis.

Fabio Fognini and Carlos Alcaraz produced 1R thriller at Wimbledon 2025

Fabio Fognini (left) and Carlos Alcaraz (right) after the conclusion of their first-round match at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships (Source: Getty)

Carlos Alcaraz came into this year's edition of the Wimbledon Championships as the two-time defending champion. The Spaniard was drawn to face 38-year-old Fabio Fognini in the first round, and on paper, the former was the overwhelming favorite to win and progress to the second round.

However, Fognini produced a remarkable display as he rolled back the years and refused to give Alcaraz an inch. Ultimately though, the Spaniard came out on top with a 7-6, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 win. Following the conclusion of the five-set thriller, the two players embraced each other warmly, with the Italian turning emotional.

Later, Fognini revealed to reporters how there were tears in his eyes after the match when he was in the locker room. He also reflected on his performance against Alcaraz, telling reporters at a post-match press conference:

"I have to be honest, I cried in the locker room. I cried. I didn't expect (to) play five sets against him. I have to be honest. 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. I said 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."

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz finished his 2025 tennis season as the year-end World No. 1, but with a loss to Jannik Sinner in the final of the ATP Finals.