Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz narrowly avoided a first-round upset at Wimbledon, battling past Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in a five-set thriller to set up a second-round clash with British qualifier Oliver Tarvet.
Opening Centre Court play on a scorching day at SW19, the 22-year-old Spaniard edged through 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in an enthralling contest that lasted over four-and-a-half hours in 32°C heat.
Alcaraz sealed the win swiftly after a brief 15-minute delay in the final set, caused by a spectator falling ill in the stands.
The second seed showed a moment of compassion, offering a bottle of water and checking on the fan’s condition before play resumed.
Despite entering the tournament fresh from winning the French Open and the Queen’s Club title, Alcaraz looked out of sorts for large stretches.
He struggled with his serve and committed a slew of unforced errors as 38-year-old Fognini, making his final Wimbledon appearance before retirement, twice battled back to level the match.
However, Alcaraz dug deep in the decider, regaining control with a dominant final set to stretch his winning streak to 19 matches.
“I tried my best but I know I can be better,” said Alcaraz after the match. “I need to improve in the next round.”
The Spaniard, seeded second behind Italy’s Jannik Sinner, let out a roar of relief after finally ending Fognini’s resistance, breaking into a smile and warmly embracing his opponent at the net.
Next, he will face 21-year-old wildcard Oliver Tarvet, who will play the biggest match of his career after defeating Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi in his Wimbledon debut.
