On June 30, 2025, defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz faced an unexpectedly fierce challenge from Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in their first-round clash on Centre Court. The No. 2 seed, aiming for a historic third consecutive Wimbledon title, struggled to find his rhythm against the 38-year-old Fognini, ranked No. 130, in a match that tested Alcaraz’s resolve. Despite his 18-match winning streak and dominant grass-court form, Alcaraz’s uncharacteristic errors and Fognini’s crafty play kept the scoreline tight at 4-4 in the first set, as reported by live updates.
Alcaraz, fresh off titles at Roland Garros and Queen’s Club, entered as the heavy favorite, holding a 2-0 head-to-head record over Fognini from clay-court encounters in Rio (2022, 2023). Yet, the Italian, in his final Wimbledon appearance before retirement, showed no signs of intimidation. Known for his fiery demeanor and flair, Fognini capitalized on Alcaraz’s shaky start, pushing the Spaniard with aggressive returns and clever drop shots. Early in the match, Fognini earned two break points at 0-30, exploiting Alcaraz’s sloppy footwork and errant forehands. The Spaniard saved both with powerful serves, but his four double faults and a netted volley betrayed nerves uncommon for the five-time Grand Slam champion.
Fognini, despite a dismal 4-14 season record and an eight-match losing streak, displayed remarkable resilience. His backhand returns, including one described as “straight out of the Alcaraz playbook,” pressured the defending champion, while his swinging wide serves challenged Alcaraz’s return game. The Italian held serve comfortably, often to love, aided by Alcaraz’s unforced errors, such as a forehand whipped into the tramlines. Commentators noted Fognini’s sluggish movement, possibly due to a lingering foot issue, but his tactical acumen kept him competitive, dragging Alcaraz across the court and forcing errors.
Alcaraz, whose 85.4% service game win rate on grass is unmatched, struggled to assert his dominance. His forehand, usually a weapon, misfired repeatedly, with two long shots handing Fognini early break point chances. At 30-30, Alcaraz’s aggressive forehand found the corner, but Fognini responded with a volley to hold serve, keeping the set on serve. The Spaniard’s tentative start, marked by a 40-0 service game squandered by errors, drew concern from analysts, who noted his serving lacked its usual precision.
As the set neared its climax, Alcaraz faced break point pressure again at 15-40, clawing back to deuce with a deep topspin forehand. Fognini’s experience shone, as he rushed Alcaraz into errors, though the Spaniard’s raw power occasionally bailed him out. With the score level, Alcaraz’s quest for a third Wimbledon title hung in the balance, as Fognini’s unpredictable play threatened an upset. This gritty battle underscored Fognini’s reputation as a “showman” and Alcaraz’s need to rediscover his championship form.
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