Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz began his Wimbledon title defense with a grueling five-set victory over Italian veteran Fabio Fognini, battling both a tenacious opponent and sweltering Centre Court conditions.
Alcaraz ultimately won 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in a four-and-a-half-hour match where temperatures exceeded 32C.
The intense heat led to a brief pause in the deciding set when a spectator fell ill, prompting a sportsmanlike Alcaraz to offer cold water to aid their recovery.
Despite the win, Alcaraz admitted to struggling with his serve and making uncharacteristic errors, stating, “I tried my best but I can be better. I need to improve in the next round.”
Fognini, 38, playing in his final Wimbledon, proved a formidable challenge, twice forcing a decider.
Alcaraz, extending his winning streak to 19 matches, expressed relief upon securing the victory and warmly embraced his opponent. “Playing in such a high heat is really difficult,” Alcaraz noted, acknowledging the physical toll.
Alcaraz will now face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round.
