On a scorching opening day at Wimbledon 2025, two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz survived a grueling five-set battle against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini, who is set to retire at the end of the season. The match, held on Centre Court under sweltering temperatures reaching over 32°C (90°F), was a thrilling test of endurance and skill, stretching nearly four and a half hours with a final scoreline of 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in favor of the 22-year-old Spaniard.
Alcaraz, seeded second behind Italian rival Jannik Sinner, opened the tournament with a display that was far from his usual fluid style. His first-serve percentage dipped below 50%, and he committed an uncharacteristic number of errors, allowing the 38-year-old Fognini to apply relentless pressure. Despite these struggles, Alcaraz’s fighting spirit shone through as he extended his winning streak to 19 matches and kept his bid for a third consecutive Wimbledon title alive.
Fognini, a former world No. 9 and a crowd favorite known for his entertaining and sometimes controversial style, was making his final appearance at SW19. The Italian, who had not won a tour-level match all year and was ranked outside the top 100, played with freedom and tenacity, twice forcing the match into a deciding set. His serve-and-volley tactics and deft shot-making, including a memorable 18-shot rally that captivated the Centre Court crowd, showcased his enduring talent even as he nears retirement.
Temperatures on Centre Court soared to 32.3°C (90.1°F), the highest ever recorded on the opening day of the Championships, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the physically demanding encounter. The match was briefly halted in the fifth set when a spectator fell ill, prompting Alcaraz to display his sportsmanship by offering a bottle of cold water to aid their recovery. This 15-minute pause momentarily disrupted the rhythm of the contest, but upon resumption, Alcaraz asserted his dominance, breaking Fognini’s serve multiple times and closing out the match emphatically.
Throughout the marathon match, the 16-year age gap between the players was evident but did little to diminish the intensity. Fognini, known affectionately as “Fogna,” drew loud cheers from the crowd and even received a heartfelt ovation after the final point. Alcaraz himself led the applause for his opponent, acknowledging the Italian’s remarkable effort and lamenting that this was likely Fognini’s last Wimbledon. “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon because with the level he is playing, he can play for another three or four years,” Alcaraz reflected. “Fabio is a great player and has shown his level and talent throughout his career. I’m sad it’s probably his last Wimbledon but I’m happy to have shared the court with him.”
Fognini’s son, Federico, had flown to London to witness the match, and after the battle, Fognini requested Alcaraz’s shirt as a keepsake—a touching moment underscoring the respect between the two competitors.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Alcaraz took the first set 7-5 after a late break of serve, but Fognini fought back to claim the second in a tense tiebreak 7-6(7-5). The third set mirrored the first, with Alcaraz edging out 7-5. However, the fourth set belonged to Fognini, who dominated 6-2, forcing a deciding fifth set that saw Alcaraz surge ahead with a double break to lead 4-0. Despite the punishing heat and the earlier interruption, the Spaniard’s resilience carried him to a commanding 6-1 finish in the final set.
Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge of playing the opening match on Centre Court, especially under such intense conditions. “Playing in such high heat is really difficult to deal with and it is even tougher when you’re playing long matches, long rallies,” he said. “Part of the match you can feel down a little bit because of the sun hitting all the time. I have to be ready to battle.”
The match also highlighted the evolution of Wimbledon itself. For the first time in the tournament's 148-year history, courts were not surrounded by line judges, with electronic line-calling technology taking over—a nod to modernity amid tradition.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz will face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round. The 21-year-old Tarvet, ranked world No. 733 and studying at the University of San Diego, impressed on his Grand Slam debut by defeating Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi in straight sets. Tarvet’s unlikely run has captivated fans, and his upcoming clash with the reigning champion promises to be a compelling encounter.
Meanwhile, the first day of Wimbledon 2025 saw several notable upsets, with seeds like Holger Rune (8), Daniil Medvedev (9), Francisco Cerúndolo (16), and Stefanos Tsitsipas (24) exiting early. In the women’s draw, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka secured a comfortable win, while British player Katie Boulter stunned ninth seed Paula Badosa to advance to the next round. American Amanda Anisimova also made headlines by dispatching Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-0 in just 43 minutes.
As the Championships progress, the spotlight remains firmly on Alcaraz, who despite a rocky start, demonstrated the champion’s mentality to grind out a victory. His ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to challenging conditions underscores why he is considered one of the sport’s brightest stars.
With temperatures expected to remain high and the competition intensifying, Wimbledon 2025 is shaping up to be a tournament filled with drama, resilience, and unforgettable moments. Alcaraz’s hard-fought win over Fognini is a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport and a reminder that even the greatest champions must battle for every point on the storied grass of SW19.
