Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz survived a brutal first-round scare at Wimbledon 2025, overcoming veteran Italian Fabio Fognini in an electrifying five-set thriller that lasted over four and a half hours on Centre Court.
Final Score: 7–5, 6–7(5), 7–5, 2–6, 6–1
Under the blazing London sun, with temperatures reaching 32°C, the 21-year-old Spaniard was tested in every way possible by the 38-year-old Fognini, who is playing his final Wimbledon before retirement.
After splitting the first two sets and trading momentum throughout, the match paused briefly in the deciding fifth due to a medical emergency in the crowd. In a classy gesture, Alcaraz handed a bottle of water to the unwell spectator — a moment of humanity in the heat of battle.
With Centre Court roaring behind him, Alcaraz stormed through the final set, reminding everyone why he’s still the man to beat at SW19.
“I tried to play as best as possible, but I need to raise my level. Overall, it was a good match,” Alcaraz admitted. “These are the kind of matches that remind me why I love this sport.”
Next up, he faces British wildcard Oliver Tarvet in Round 2.
