
Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon title defense nearly came to a shocking halt in the first round, as the 22-year-old Spaniard was pushed to the limit by retiring Italian veteran Fabio Fognini. After four hours and 37 minutes of unpredictable tennis, Alcaraz emerged victorious with a hard-fought 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 win on Centre Court.
It wasn’t the dominant performance many expected from the No. 2 seed and reigning champion, who is riding a 19-match winning streak and recently added a fifth Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros. Fognini, ranked 138th and winless in 2025, defied expectations with vintage shot-making and resilience that belied his retirement plans.
Alcaraz struggled at times, tallying nine double faults and 62 unforced errors, admitting nerves played a role on the sport’s biggest stage. “The first match at Centre Court is never easy,” he confessed.
Despite the scare, Alcaraz roared to life in the deciding set, flashing his trademark intensity and athleticism. He’ll face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet next.
For Fognini, it was a valiant Wimbledon farewell, proving — as Alcaraz himself admitted — that he may still have years of elite tennis left in him.
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