Carlos Alcaraz survived a tough challenge in his opening match at Wimbledon 2025, edging past Fabio Fognini in a five-set thriller on June 30 at Centre Court. The two-time defending champion needed all his resilience and class to overcome the Italian veteran, who was playing his final Wimbledon match before retirement.
Speaking after the hard-fought win, Alcaraz acknowledged the difficulty of the match and praised Fognini’s performance: “Playing the first match on Centre Court is never easy. I have been playing on grass pretty well, but Wimbledon is special. I can feel the difference between Wimbledon and the other tournaments. I just tried to play the best I could, but I would say it could be better. I have to improve.”
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who is aiming for his third consecutive Wimbledon title, eventually won the match 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in four hours and 37 minutes.
Fognini, who had announced this would be his final appearance at Wimbledon, gave Alcaraz a major scare. Reflecting on the Italian’s level, Alcaraz said: “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon, because with the level he has shown, he can still play three or four more years. I have to give him credit for such a great match. Fabio is such a great player. He has shown throughout his career the level he has. I’m just a little bit sad that it’s his last Wimbledon, but happy to have shared the court with him.”
Alcaraz now holds an impressive 14–1 record in fifth sets, continuing his remarkable run that includes his Roland Garros final win over Jannik Sinner. Up next, he will face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, who defeated Leandro Riedi in his opening round.
Fognini: “Probably the best way to say goodbye”
For Fabio Fognini, it was an emotional farewell to the grass-court Grand Slam. The nine-time ATP Tour singles champion, now 38 years old, has already confirmed that this season will be his last on the tour.
“I think this is probably the best way to say goodbye to Wimbledon — and maybe to tennis. That’s what I’m thinking now. I am happy for sure. I have a lot of emotion coming to my mind. It was a super amazing atmosphere over there. I enjoyed it a lot.”
He also heaped praise on Alcaraz, calling him one of the best in the world: “Now, of course, there is something a bit salty in my mouth because I had my chance — if we’re talking about tennis. At the beginning of the fifth set, I was still there. But okay, he’s a champion. He’s won here twice. At the moment, I think he’s probably the best player in the world.”
“He played against Jannik one month ago — an amazing final. So, all the respect for him,” Fognini concluded.