On June 30, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed and defending Wimbledon champion, faced a stern test from Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in their first-round clash on Centre Court. The 22-year-old Spaniard, aiming for a historic third consecutive Wimbledon title, battled through a tense opening set, clinching it 7-5 after 48 minutes of high-octane tennis. The match showcased Alcaraz’s resilience against Fognini’s unpredictable flair, setting the stage for a gripping encounter under the Centre Court roof.
Alcaraz, riding an 18-match winning streak after titles at Roland Garros and Queen’s Club, entered as the favorite, holding a 2-0 head-to-head edge over Fognini from clay-court meetings in Rio (2022, 2023). However, the 38-year-old Italian, in his final Wimbledon before retirement, brought his signature showmanship, pushing Alcaraz to the brink. Fognini, ranked No. 130 with a 4-14 season record, defied expectations with aggressive returns and pinpoint drop shots, exposing early cracks in Alcaraz’s game. The Spaniard’s uncharacteristic errors—six unforced errors, including four forehand miscues—gave Fognini chances to seize control.
The set began with both players holding serve, but Fognini’s crafty play disrupted Alcaraz’s rhythm. At 2-2, the Italian earned two break points at 0-30, capitalizing on Alcaraz’s double fault and a netted volley. Alcaraz responded with a 125-mph ace and a blistering forehand winner, but Fognini’s backhand down the line, described as “vintage Fabio,” kept the pressure on. The Italian held serve to love in the seventh game, his swinging wide serve forcing Alcaraz into a defensive return that sailed long. “He’s just so explosive,” Fognini said pre-match, acknowledging Alcaraz’s power, yet his tactical nous kept the set level at 4-4.
As the set tightened, Alcaraz’s serving woes persisted, with three double faults and a 62% first-serve percentage. At 5-5, Fognini pushed him to 15-40, exploiting a forehand sprayed into the tramlines. Alcaraz, however, dug deep, unleashing a deep topspin forehand and a cross-court backhand to claw back to deuce. The turning point came in the 11th game, where Alcaraz capitalized on Fognini’s footwork struggles, breaking serve with a scorching forehand pass after a 12-shot rally. Serving for the set, Alcaraz faced one final test as Fognini’s volley earned a break point. The Spaniard answered with a 130-mph serve and a delicate drop shot, sealing the 7-5 set with an unreturnable forehand.
The hard-fought set highlighted Alcaraz’s ability to problem-solve under pressure, overcoming 14 unforced errors with 18 winners. Fognini’s resilience, despite a lingering foot issue, underscored his reputation as a dangerous floater. As Alcaraz moves forward, this battle serves as a wake-up call, with tougher tests like Frances Tiafoe or Jannik Sinner looming. For now, the young champion’s grit and firepower have kept his three-peat dreams alive, thrilling the Centre Court crowd.
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