Carlos Alcaraz digs deep in stifling heat to defeat retiring Fabio Fognini over five sets

Carlos Alcaraz felt right at home in the scorching Centre Court sun, as he emerged for the second year straight as the defending Wimbledon champion.

The Spanish tennis world No.2 fought to a five-set victory in the first round, beating Fabio Fognini 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 on Monday, 30 June.

Never had there been a higher temperature (32.3C/90.1F) recorded on the opening day of the Championships, taking its toll on all players – not least Alcaraz, who needed four hours and 37 minutes to get the result.

For 38-year-old Fognini, it is a heroic exit at his final appearance in south-west London as he is set to retire come the end of the season. The emotions overcame a man who had given every drop of sweat to push the double defending champion all the way, Fognini’s first five-set match in almost a year.

Alcaraz said after the match, “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon. The level he showed, he can still play for three or four more years. Unbelievable. I just have to give him the credit for such a great match. Fabio is a great player…I’m a little sad it’s probably his last Wimbledon.”

The Olympic silver medallist will face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round, the 21-year-old who was victorious on his Grand Slam debut against Leandro Riedi of Switzerland.

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