On June 30, 2025, the Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon witnessed a captivating battle as 38-year-old Italian veteran Fabio Fognini clawed his way back against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, winning a thrilling second set 7-6(5) to level their first-round match at one set apiece. The No. 2 seed, chasing a third consecutive Wimbledon title, had edged a tight first set 7-5, but Fognini’s flair and resilience turned the second set into a 54-minute spectacle, showcasing his enduring skill against the 22-year-old Spaniard’s relentless power.
Alcaraz, with an 18-match winning streak and titles at Roland Garros and Queen’s Club, faced an unexpectedly fierce challenge from Fognini, ranked No. 130 and in his final Wimbledon appearance before retirement. The Italian, hampered by a lingering foot injury, defied his 4-14 season record, trading blows with Alcaraz in a set defined by momentum swings and electric shot-making. Fognini’s crafty play, blending drop shots and slicing backhands, frustrated Alcaraz, who struggled with six unforced errors, including three forehand miscues. “He’s just so explosive,” Fognini had said pre-match, acknowledging Alcaraz’s dominance, yet his tactical acumen kept the set on a knife’s edge.
The second set saw both players hold serve early, with Fognini’s swinging wide serves and pinpoint volleys testing Alcaraz’s defensive skills. At 3-3, Fognini earned a break point with a stunning backhand down the line, only for Alcaraz to respond with a 128-mph ace. The Spaniard’s serve, which had faltered in the first set with four double faults, remained under pressure, but his athleticism saved crucial points, including a diving forehand winner at 4-4. Fognini, undeterred, held to love in the ninth game, his trademark flair drawing roars from the crowd as he flicked a drop shot that left Alcaraz stranded.
As the set approached a tiebreak, Alcaraz’s aggression wavered, with a netted volley handing Fognini a mini-break at 2-1. The Italian’s experience shone, mixing heavy topspin with delicate touch to lead 4-2. Alcaraz fought back, leveling at 5-5 with a blistering cross-court forehand, but Fognini’s resolve held firm. A perfectly placed lob and a double 10 finish sealed the tiebreak 7-5, igniting the crowd and leveling the match. Fognini’s 12 winners to Alcaraz’s 15 underscored his efficiency, despite a lower 60% first-serve percentage.
This gripping set highlighted Fognini’s reputation as a “showman” and Alcaraz’s vulnerability under pressure. With the match now a best-of-three-sets battle, Alcaraz faces a critical test to maintain his three-peat aspirations. Fognini’s resurgence, reminiscent of his 2019 Monte Carlo title, signals his intent to challenge the young champion. As the third set unfolds, the Centre Court faithful remain glued to this clash of generations, with Alcaraz’s firepower pitted against Fognini’s guile in a Wimbledon classic.
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