Carlos Alcaraz overcame a stern test in his Wimbledon opener, edging past veteran Fabio Fognini in a grueling five-set battle. The reigning champion needed four hours and 37 minutes to win 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1, keeping alive his hopes of a third consecutive Wimbledon crown.
Alcaraz admitted to battling nerves and the sweltering heat on Centre Court, especially in the early stages. Despite entering the match on an 18-match winning streak and fresh off titles at the French Open and Queen’s Club, the world No. 2 struggled to find rhythm. He committed a string of unforced errors and frequently looked frustrated, particularly as Fognini clawed his way back into contention.
The match started positively for the Spaniard, who held a 7-5, 4-2 lead before a sudden dip in focus allowed Fognini back in. Alcaraz’s serve wavered, and he faltered in a crucial tie-break, handing the second set to the Italian. Fognini, in what is likely his final season on tour, showcased flashes of brilliance. His shot-making was inspired, with powerful forehands and impressive net play that belied his 38 years and recent form struggles.
Alcaraz, however, showed the grit and resilience of a champion. With the match tied at two sets apiece and the physical toll of the heat mounting, he regained composure. In the final set, he played with renewed focus and energy, racing through it 6-1. A brief pause in play, caused by a fan suffering in the heat, gave Alcaraz a chance to show sportsmanship as he rushed to help with a bottle of water highlighting the match’s draining conditions.
This win extended Alcaraz’s perfect record in Grand Slam first rounds to 18-0 and reinforced his growing reputation as a player who thrives under pressure. He now also boasts 14 wins from 15 five-set matches an impressive testament to his endurance and mentality.
Despite the scare, Alcaraz remains firmly in the hunt for another Wimbledon title. His ability to find solutions under duress and dig deep when pushed continues to set him apart. While he may have hoped for a more straightforward start to the tournament, the hard-fought win could prove a valuable boost to his momentum and confidence moving forward.
