Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a major scare from veteran Fabio Fognini to win a dramatic five-set battle in the Wimbledon first round, surviving both intense heat and a mid-match medical emergency in the crowd.
The 22-year-old Spaniard prevailed 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in a gruelling four-and-a-half hour contest on Centre Court, as temperatures soared above 32°C on the tournament’s opening day.
The deciding set was briefly paused after a spectator, seated in direct sunlight, fell ill. Alcaraz showed concern, bringing over a bottle of cold water to assist before play resumed 15 minutes later. The match restarted with Alcaraz firmly in control, closing out the win with a dominant final set.
Seeded second behind Italian rival Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz was far from his best, struggling with his serve and committing a number of unforced errors. Despite this, he held off a spirited challenge from 38-year-old Fognini, who was playing his final Wimbledon before retirement.
Fognini twice rallied to force a fifth set, but Alcaraz’s energy and composure ultimately prevailed, extending his winning streak to 19 matches. The Spaniard lifted his fifth Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier this month and followed it with a Queen’s Club title, reaffirming his status as a favorite at SW19.
After sealing the match, Alcaraz let out a roar of relief and shared a warm embrace with Fognini. “I tried my best, but I can be better. I need to improve in the next round,” he admitted.
Alcaraz now faces 21-year-old British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, who earned his shot at the reigning champion by defeating Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi on his Wimbledon debut.
