Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending Wimbledon champion, overcame a spirited challenge from Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in a gripping five-set first-round match on Centre Court.
The 22-year-old Spaniard was pushed to the brink before eventually prevailing 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in a sweltering encounter that lasted four and a half hours, with temperatures soaring above 32°C.
Alcaraz, the second seed behind Italian rival Jannik Sinner, made an uncharacteristic number of errors and struggled with his serve throughout, landing fewer than 50% of his first deliveries. Fognini, 38, made full use of his variety and guile to trouble the reigning champion, forcing a deciding set in what may be his final Wimbledon appearance.
Play was briefly halted for 15 minutes in the fifth set when a spectator fell ill due to the heat. Alcaraz assisted by bringing over a bottle of cold water, a gesture that typified the sportsmanship on display. When play resumed, the Spaniard regained control and powered through the final set, sealing victory with a roar of relief and sharing a warm embrace with Fognini.
“Playing the first match on Centre Court is never easy,” said Alcaraz afterwards. “I’ve been practising really well and playing really well, but Wimbledon is different. I could feel the difference.”
Despite being the favourite, Alcaraz was far from fluent. Fognini broke the Spaniard’s serve five times and continually disrupted his rhythm with clever shot selection and returns. At times, Alcaraz showed his frustration, gesturing towards his team as he struggled to find consistency.
The match’s turning point came at the start of the fifth set when a light-hearted moment – Fognini jokingly threatening to hit a ball at his younger opponent – brought a smile to Alcaraz’s face. From there, the Spaniard relaxed and took command.
“Playing in such high heat is really difficult to deal with, and it’s even tougher when you’re playing long matches and rallies,” Alcaraz said. “Part of the match you can feel down a little bit because of the sun hitting all the time. I have to be ready to battle.”
Fognini, once ranked as high as world number nine, showcased the natural flair that has defined his career. Known for both his brilliance and volatility, he famously courted controversy in 2019 with an outburst wishing a bomb would explode at Wimbledon. But on this occasion, he was applauded off the court after a valiant performance.
After sealing the win, Alcaraz directed the Centre Court crowd to applaud Fognini, who received a heartfelt ovation before tossing his shoes into the stands in a parting gesture.
“I don’t know why this is his last Wimbledon because with the level he is playing, he can play for another three or four years,” said Alcaraz. “Fabio is a great player and has shown his level and talent throughout his career. I’m sad it’s probably his last Wimbledon but I’m happy to have shared the court with him.”
Alcaraz, who lifted his fifth Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier this month before triumphing at Queen’s, will next face 21-year-old British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, who defeated Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi on his Wimbledon debut.