The defending champion faced an unexpected battle right from the start of his Wimbledon title defense. Carlos alcaraz, the World No. 2, overcame a determined Fabio fognini in a grueling five-set thriller on a scorching hot Centre Court, ultimately securing his spot in the second round. This challenging opening match tested Alcaraz’s resilience against the veteran Italian, playing in his final Wimbledon appearance. The marathon contest unfolded over four hours and 37 minutes, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis.
Day one at The Championships lived up to its billing as one of the hottest on record, with temperatures soaring past 31.4°C (90°F). The intense heat was palpable on Centre Court, adding another layer of difficulty for both players. Despite entering the match as the heavy favorite, Alcaraz was pushed to his absolute limit by Fognini, who showcased flashes of the brilliant shotmaking that marked his long career.
A Hard-Fought Five-Setter
The match saw momentum swing back and forth across five sets. Alcaraz claimed the first set 7-5, saving crucial break points and finding a key break late. However, he admitted afterwards to being “far from his best” early on, particularly with his serve, which hovered below 55% accuracy in the opening sets, contributing to a high number of unforced errors.
Fognini, ranked outside the top 100 but playing inspired tennis, refused to yield. The 38-year-old veteran went “toe-to-toe” with the defending champion, leveraging his skill and variety. He responded by claiming the second set 7-6 in a tie-break, punishing Alcaraz’s inconsistency.
The third set saw Alcaraz regain the lead with another 7-5 win, but not before Fognini delivered one of the points of the tournament. The Italian pulled Alcaraz across the baseline before finishing with a spectacular aerial backhand volley that brought the packed crowd to its feet, ultimately breaking the Spaniard’s serve momentarily. However, Alcaraz’s trademark grit saw him break back and clinch the set.
Fognini wasn’t finished. He dominated the fourth set 6-2, his flat groundstrokes piercing the heat-hazed air and forcing the match to a deciding fifth set. This marked a rare occasion – the first time a defending Wimbledon men’s champion has played a five-set match in the first round since Roger Federer in 2010.
Overcoming Challenges On and Off Court
Entering the fifth set, Alcaraz was clearly in trouble, having played a “terrible set” in the fourth according to reports. However, the young Spaniard, known for his fighting spirit, found another gear. He secured a nervy hold to start the decider and quickly built a 3-0 lead.
The intense heat on Centre Court led to a concerning moment in the fifth set. Play was briefly suspended for over ten minutes when a spectator in the stands fell ill. In a display of notable sportsmanship, Alcaraz approached the stands and offered the unwell individual a bottle of cold water. Following this pause, Alcaraz found his rhythm and confidence, particularly on his serve, dominating the remainder of the set to secure the win 6-1.
This hard-fought victory meant Alcaraz avoided becoming only the third defending men’s champion to lose in the first round at Wimbledon in the Open Era, a fate that befell Manuel Santana in 1967 and Lleyton Hewitt in 2003. The win also extended Alcaraz’s perfect first-round record at Grand Slams to 18-0 and his Wimbledon winning streak to 15 matches. He now holds an impressive 14-1 record in five-set matches.
Alcaraz Reflects and Day One Shocks
Speaking after the match, Alcaraz acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter and the unique challenge of opening play on Centre Court. “Playing the first match on Centre Court is never easy,” he commented, adding that while he’s played well on grass, “Wimbledon is special” and different. He admitted his performance “could be better” and highlighted the need to improve for upcoming rounds.
Alcaraz also paid tribute to his opponent. “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon,” Alcaraz said of Fognini. “With the level he has shown, he can still play three or four more years… Fabio is such a great player.” As Fognini departed the court, the crowd and Alcaraz himself joined in giving the veteran a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to his career and performance.
This challenging start for Alcaraz came on a day marked by several significant upsets elsewhere in the men’s draw. Top seeds including Holger Rune (8), Daniil Medvedev (9), Francisco Cerúndolo (16), and Stefanos Tsitsipas (24) were all eliminated, demonstrating the unpredictability of grass court tennis and the challenges posed by a surface with a short season that demands constant adaptation in movement and shot selection. British players, however, enjoyed a strong opening day with several notable wins, including Katie Boulter’s upset of Paula Badosa and qualifier Oliver Tarvet’s shock victory.
Looking Ahead
Despite the difficult start, Alcaraz’s victory keeps his quest for a third consecutive Wimbledon title alive. He arrived in London on a career-best 18-match winning streak, having recently won his fifth Grand Slam at Roland Garros and the ATP 500 title at Queen’s Club.
His next challenge will be against British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, a 21-year-old ranked No. 719 in the world, who impressed with a straight-sets win in his Grand Slam debut. Alcaraz and Tarvet have never met before, presenting a new hurdle for the defending champion as he seeks to find his best form deeper into the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Carlos Alcaraz’s first match at Wimbledon 2025 unfold?
Carlos Alcaraz faced a tough five-set match against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini on the opening day. Despite being the defending champion, Alcaraz was pushed to the limit, winning 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in a battle lasting over four and a half hours on a record-hot day.
Were there any notable incidents during the Alcaraz vs Fognini match?
Yes, the match was briefly suspended during the fifth set due to a spectator falling ill in the stands, likely exacerbated by the extreme heat. Carlos Alcaraz showed sportsmanship by offering the spectator water during the pause in play.
Who will Carlos Alcaraz play in the second round, and what happened with other seeds on Day 1?
Carlos Alcaraz will face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round. Tarvet is ranked No. 719 and won his first Grand Slam match in straight sets to advance. Day 1 at Wimbledon also saw several significant upsets in the men’s draw, with seeds like Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, Francisco Cerúndolo, and Stefanos Tsitsipas being eliminated.
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