In a heart-pounding start to his Wimbledon 2025 title defense, Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and two-time defending champion, faced an unexpected test from Italian veteran Fabio Fognini on Centre Court. The five-set thriller, lasting a grueling four hours and 37 minutes, saw Alcaraz emerge victorious with a 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 scoreline, but not without moments of doubt that pushed the young Spaniard to his limits. “There was a moment when I didn’t know what to do,” Alcaraz admitted in his post-match press conference, reflecting on the challenge posed by Fognini’s “brilliant” performance. The match, played under swelteringly unbearable 91°F heat, showcased both players’ resilience and left an indelible mark on the tournament’s opening day.
At 22, Alcaraz entered Wimbledon riding a career-best 19-match winning streak, fresh off titles at Roland Garros, Rome, and Queen’s Club. Yet, the 38-year-old Fognini, ranked No. 138 and winless on the ATP Tour in 2025, turned back the clock with a display of vintage flair. Despite announcing his retirement at season’s end, Fognini’s array of flicks, volleys, and a stunning slice smash in a corner-to-corner rally left Alcaraz gasping for breath. “Fabio played brilliant tennis,” Alcaraz said, praising the Italian’s ability to summon his best on what may have been his final Wimbledon appearance. The former world No. 9, known for upsets like his 2015 US Open comeback against Rafael Nadal, twice fought back from a set down, forcing Alcaraz to dig deep into his physical and mental reserves.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Alcaraz, typically fluid on grass, struggled with 62 unforced errors and nine double faults, particularly in the second and fourth sets. “I felt like I was playing at a good level, and yet he completely ran over me,” he confessed, recalling a dominant fourth set where Fognini’s flat backhand and early returns suffocated his serve. A critical moment came in the third set when Alcaraz, trailing 3-5, unleashed a pinpoint lob to break Fognini, letting out a roar that echoed his determination. “I’m getting mature and I know how to deal with some situations,” he noted, emphasizing his champion’s mentality to find a way through adversity.
The fifth set saw Alcaraz recalibrate, breaking early and surging to a 5-0 lead. However, the match paused for over 15 minutes when an elderly spectator fainted in the record-breaking heat, prompting Alcaraz to sprint over with a bottle of water—a gesture that drew praise from the fan’s daughter on social media. “Playing in such high heat is really difficult to deal with, especially in long matches,” Alcaraz said, acknowledging the physical toll. When play resumed, he closed out the match, later leading the Centre Court crowd in a standing ovation for Fognini. “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon, because with the level he’s shown, he could play for three or four more years,” he remarked, visibly moved by the Italian’s effort.
Fognini, emotional after the defeat, broke down in tears in the locker room. “I didn’t expect to play five sets against him,” he admitted, reflecting on a season plagued by injuries and a 10-match losing streak. “There is no better way to play on this court with a great champion that I have a lot of respect for.” His performance, marked by a 24-16 career fifth-set record, reminded fans of his ability to challenge the elite, with past victories over Nadal, Murray, and Del Potro. As he embraced his son Federico in the stands, joined by wife Flavia Pennetta, a former US Open champion, the moment captured the Italian’s enduring passion.
Alcaraz now advances to face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, ranked No. 733, in the second round. “I have to improve in the next round,” he insisted, aware that his 14-1 five-set record and perfect 18-0 Grand Slam first-round streak were tested. With ambitions to join legends like Bjorn Borg and Roger Federer with a third consecutive Wimbledon title, Alcaraz’s battle against Fognini was a reminder of tennis’s unpredictability. “Wimbledon is different,” he said, noting the unique pressure of opening Centre Court. As Fognini bids farewell to SW19, Alcaraz’s sportsmanship and resilience ensure this epic clash will be remembered as a testament to both players’ brilliance.
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